Japanese Women Research Articles

Underactive bladder as defined by the International Continence Society in the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey.

To investigate the characteristics of underactive bladder (UAB) in participants of the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey (JaCS 2023). The JaCS 2023 was conducted among individuals aged 20-99 years old who had anonymously registered with a Japanese online research company. We divided the 6210 participants of JACS 2023 into UAB and non-UAB groups as defined by the International Continence Society Working Group (ICS-WG) and evaluated the prevalence of UAB as well as concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms. In addition, an association between UAB and vulnerability-related factors, namely participants' characteristics including frailty and comorbidities, was explored by univariable and multivariable analyses. The prevalence of UAB in Japanese community-dwelling men and women aged 20 years or older was 9.3% and 4.0% overall (p < 0.0001), respectively, and when excluding benign prostatic hyperplasia or pelvic organ prolapse, 7.0% and 3.7%, respectively, (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in the prevalence of UAB with age was observed (p < 0.0001). In addition, storage symptoms including overactive bladder were more frequent in the UAB group than the non-UAB group (p < 0.0001). Frailty and several comorbidities were independently associated with UAB. According to the definition proposed by the ICS-WG, the JaCS 2023 demonstrated that UAB was more prevalent in men than in women and increased in prevalence with age. Storage symptoms including overactive bladder sometimes coexisted with UAB. Vulnerability-related factors were associated with UAB.

A/Void Pregnancy? Yagi Emi’s Kūshin techō and Fake Pregnancy as a Means of Exploring Women’s Struggles

Kūshin techō (Diary of a void), Yagi Emi’s brilliant debut in the Japanese literary scene, was published in 2020 and proceeded to win the 36 th Osamu Dazai Prize. With its provocative tones, the novel addresses maternal issues during a very crucial moment for literature. Indeed, contemporary women’s writing from all over the world is growing more and more engaged with issues such as illness, disease, healthcare, medical practice, and clinical institutions, as well as with the topic of “care,” usually depicted as a women’s responsibility. In this paper, I argue that, through the parody of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook, Yagi Emi advances a critique of the condition of Japanese women in contemporary Japan. More specifically, the use of the fake pregnancy and the diary as a narrative strategy serve as a means to explore contradictions and gender gaps women face during pregnancy, in the workplace and at home, such as sekuhara (sexual harassment) and matahara (maternal harassment), social pressure, prejudice and stigma, and economic inequality. At the same time, I argue that the absence of a male partner throughout the narrative reveals the prejudice and stigma surrounding unmarried pregnant women in Japan, and on the other hand, it makes it possible to read Kūshin techō as an example of Hélène Cixous’ écriture feminine.

Surgery for non-Meckel’s small-bowel diverticular perforation: two case reports and a literature review

BackgroundSimilar to colonic diverticula, small-intestinal diverticula are often asymptomatic, but may cause life-threatening acute complications. Non-Meckel’s small-bowel diverticular perforation is rare, and the rate of mortality is high. However, there is currently no consensus regarding its therapeutic management.Case presentationCase 1: A 73-year-old Japanese man with localized lower abdominal pain was referred to our hospital. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed diverticulitis of the small intestine, which was managed conservatively. Four days after admission, abdominal pain worsened, and repeat CT revealed extraintestinal gas. Emergency surgery was performed for the segmental resection of the perforated jejunum with anastomosis. Case 2: A 73-year-old Japanese woman was transferred to our hospital with small-bowel perforation. CT revealed scattered diverticula in the small intestine and extraintestinal gas around the small-intestinal diverticula. Emergency surgery was performed for the segmental resection of the perforated jejunum with anastomosis.ConclusionsConservative treatment for small-bowel diverticular perforation may be attempted in mild cases; however, surgical intervention should not be delayed. Segmental resection of the affected intestinal tract with an anastomosis is the standard treatment. Residual diverticula should be documented because of the possibility of diverticulosis recurrence.

Convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage revealed contralateral internal carotid artery dissection due to Eagle syndrome: a case report

BackgroundAtraumatic localized convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) is an uncommon form of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage characterized by bleeding limited to the cerebral convexities. Ipsilateral cSAH can result from a variety of causes, such as internal carotid artery stenosis, obstruction, and dissection, although concomitant contralateral cSAH is exceptionally rare. In this case, the initial findings of cSAH led us to discovering contralateral internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) and an elongated styloid process (ESP). ESP is recognized as a risk factor for ICAD, which is a hallmark of Eagle syndrome. This sequence of findings led to the diagnosis of Eagle syndrome, illustrating a complex and intriguing interplay between cerebrovascular conditions and anatomical variations.Case presentationA 47-year-old Japanese woman experienced acute onset of headache radiating to her neck, reaching its zenith approximately two hours after onset. Given the intractable nature of the headache and its persistence for three days, she presented to the emergency department. Neurological examination revealed no abnormalities, and the coagulation screening parameters were within normal ranges. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed right parietal cSAH, while CT angiography (CTA) revealed ICAD and an ESP measuring 30.1 mm on the left side, positioned only 1.4 mm from the dissected artery. The unusual occurrence of contralateral cSAH prompted extensive and repeated imaging reviews that excluded reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), leading to a diagnosis of left ICAD secondary to Eagle syndrome. The patient underwent conservative management, and the dissected ICA spontaneously resolved. The patient has remained recurrence-free for two and a half years.ConclusionsManaging cSAH requires diligent investigation for ICAD, extending beyond its identification to explore underlying causes. Recognizing Eagle syndrome, though rare, as a potential etiology of ICAD necessitates the importance of evaluating ESPs. The method for preventing recurrent cervical artery dissection due to Eagle syndrome is controversial; however, conservative management is a viable option.

The Utility of an Human Papillomavirus Genotype Assay for Cancer Screening in Self-Collected Urine and Vaginal Samples from Japanese Women

Objectives: The high incidence of invasive cervical cancer among those who have not undergone cancer screening is a serious problem. This study aimed to investigate the utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) test results from self-collected urine and vaginal samples as screening tools. Design: The study was conducted in two steps. First, the appropriate storage container, temperature, and time until urine HPV assay performance were verified. Second, the results of spot urine testing under those conditions and of gynecologist-collected cervical and self-collected vaginal samples were compared to verify the feasibility of using the BD Onclarity® HPV assay for individuals with abnormal cervical cytology. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: The participants were 121 women with abnormal cervical cytology. Self-collected urine and vaginal samples, along with gynecologist-collected cervical samples, were tested for HPV using the BD Onclarity® HPV assay. The optimal conditions for urine sample storage were identified by comparing the HPV detection rates under various conditions. Results: Urine stored in a BD Probe Tec™ (QxUPT) for less than 72 h at room temperature was found to have the highest HPV positivity rate. Under these conditions, the detection rates of HPV in urine, cervical, and vaginal samples were examined. HPV type 16 was detected in 41.7% of the cervical samples, type 18 in 10%, and types 31 and 52 in 12.6% each. The concordance rate for HPV testing between clinician-collected cervical and urine samples was 63.9% (kappa: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.21–0.47), and that between clinician-collected cervical and self-collected vaginal samples was 77.8% (kappa: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.53–0.83), indicating good concordance. In a population with an HPV-related lesion/tumor prevalence of approximately 70%, the sensitivity of HPV testing was 82.7% for the cervix, 46.4% for urine, and 75.7% for vaginal samples. Limitations: The primary limitation is the lower detection rate of HPV in spot urine samples than in other sample types, indicating room for methodological improvement. The study’s findings are based on a specific population, which may limit generalizability. Conclusions: We investigated the optimal self-collected urine-to-testing time and temperature. Self-collected vaginal and urine HPV tests show moderate-high concordance with clinician-collected cervical HPV tests, suggesting their potential utility for women who do not undergo regular cancer screening. However, the sensitivity was not high in spot urine. Therefore, further large-scale studies are needed to verify these findings and optimize testing methods to encourage broader participation in cancer screening programs.

A case of revertant mosaic-like normal-looking spots in a patient with erythroderma with IL36RN and CARD14 heterozygous mutations.

An 89-year-old Japanese woman presented with erythroderma associated with significant scaling. A histological examination showed acanthosis with hyperkeratosis and hyperkeratinization of the hair follicles. Genetic analyses using DNA from the peripheral blood revealed heterozygous mutations in IL36RN (c.115+6T>C) and CARD14 c.2648G>A (p.Arg883His). Based on these findings, we diagnosed her with erythroderma attributable to autoinflammatory keratinization disease. She then developed more than 30 small, round, well-defined, spots on her back and extremities that appeared histologically normal. We suspected that these spots might be revertant mosaicism. Immunohistochemical staining with p65, which is a component of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), revealed nuclear staining in epidermal keratinocytes in erythematous lesions, but not in the normal-looking spots. However, mutations in IL36RN and CARD14 unexpectedly persisted in the epidermis and dermis of the normal-looking spots.

7211 Clinical and Molecular Characterization Of An Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma Harboring Double Somatic Mutations In CTNNB1 and GNA11

Abstract Disclosure: A. Blinder: None. K. Nanba: Grant Recipient; Self; AstraZeneca. A. Udager: None. Y. Hirokawa: None. T. Miura: None. H. Okuno: None. K. Moriyoshi: None. Y. Yamazaki: None. H. Sasano: None. A. Yasoda: None. N. Satoh-Asahara: None. W.E. Rainey: None. T. Tagami: None. Background: Somatic activating mutations in CTNNB1, encoding β-catenin, have been detected in a small subset of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). As a possible pathogenesis, an association of CTNNB1-mutated APA with pregnancy and menopause has been proposed. A recent study reported double somatic mutations in CTNNB1 and GNA11/Q, encoding guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunits alpha-11 and alpha-Q, in APA. However, due to its rare incidence, clinical and molecular features of APA associated with these mutations have not been well characterized. Herein, we report a case of APA harboring somatic CTNNB1 and GNA11 mutations. Clinical Case: A 46-year-old Japanese woman presented with hypertension and hypokalemia. She had two pregnancies in the past but had no history of pregnancy-induced hypertension. She had regular menstrual cycles at presentation. Laboratory testing showed elevated plasma aldosterone concentration with suppressed plasma renin activity. She was diagnosed as having primary aldosteronism based on the results of a captopril challenge test. Adrenal computed tomography revealed a 2 cm right adrenal mass. Adrenal venous sampling indicated excess aldosterone production from the right adrenal gland. She underwent right laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Histologic diagnosis of the resected tumor was adrenocortical adenoma based on the criteria of Weiss. Notably, Ki-67 labeling index was high (6% at hotspots). After surgery, her blood pressure and serum potassium both normalized. According to the primary aldosteronism surgical outcome (PASO) study criteria, PA remained clinically and biochemically cured at follow-up 2.5 years after surgery. Results: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed high and diffuse expression of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) within the tumor, whereas immunoreactivity of 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1) and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), both required for cortisol biosynthesis, was markedly low. VSNL1, a marker for the zona glomerulosa (ZG) where physiologic aldosterone biosynthesis occurs, was highly expressed within the tumor. CYP11B2 IHC-guided tumor capture followed by targeted next-generation sequencing identified double somatic CTNNB1 (p.D32Y) and GNA11 (p.Q209H) mutations. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR revealed high tumor expression of LHCGR (LH receptor) and GNRHR (GNRH receptor) mRNA levels compared with those in adjacent normal adrenal (148-fold and 56-fold, respectively). Immunofluorescence staining of the tumor revealed the presence of activated β-catenin, consistent with features of the normal ZG. Conclusions: Our study indicates that an APA with double somatic mutations in CTNNB1 and GNA11 has characteristics of the ZG and could occur in adults with no clear association with pregnancy or menopause. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Economic impact of screening on postdiagnosis work productivity in Japanese women with breast cancer: a life-table modeling approach.

In Japan, biennial mammography screening has been recommended for the early detection of breast cancer (BC) in women aged 40years or above since 2004 by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic impact of BC screening on work productivity, using a new measure called the productivity-adjusted life-year (PALY). We used a dynamic life table modeling approach to estimate the work productivity of female patients aged 40-64years diagnosed with BC in 2019 over the year of diagnosis and the subsequent 5years. Changes in life-years, PALYs, and gross domestic product (GDP) were assessed by changing the screening detection rate from the current (34.2%) to an ideal (100%) percentage. Each input for modeling was obtained from the most recent public database available. BC patients were estimated to lose 1903 in life-years, 3596 in PALYs, and US$281 million in GDP at the current screening detection rate compared with the ideal detection rate. On the other hand, the following gains are expected when the current screening detection rate was increased to 40-80%; life-years gain; 168-1325, PALYs gain; 317-2503, GDP gain: US$25-196 million. This study has used modeling to show that detecting BC without screening is associated with a lower work productivity and an economic and life-years loss. Encouraging BC screening may be beneficial to maintaining work productivity after diagnosis.

High-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney in a patient on hemodialysis: a case report and literature review

BackgroundEnd-stage renal disease is a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma. However, mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney is rare. We report a patient on hemodialysis who had high-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney.Case presentationA 62-year-old Japanese woman had end-stage renal disease and had been on hemodialysis for the previous 4 years. However, periodic imaging examinations to detect kidney cancer had not been conducted. The patient visited our department of urology complaining of general fatigue and dyspnea. Computed tomography with enhancement revealed a solid renal mass with a diameter of 66 mm. It had invaded the right psoas muscle and had multiple lymph node metastases. In addition, the patient had massive ascites and right-sided predominant pleural effusion. We drained the pleural effusion, but she died 11 days after admission. An autopsy was performed. Pathological examination revealed high-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the right kidney; multiple organ metastases to the bilateral lungs, liver, gall bladder, uterus, ovary, and inferior vena cava; cancerous pleuritis; and cancerous peritonitis. Our case indicates that high-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma emerging in end-stage kidney causes a detrimental clinical course.ConclusionHigh-grade mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney had a severe clinical course. We recommend periodic screening of patients with end-stage renal disease, using computed tomography or ultrasound.

Gendered workplace as a double-loop social construct: the case of Japanese women professionals

Purpose This paper aims to critically examine the role of women in the Japanese workplace and discusses its implications for gender studies within the context of diversity, equity and inclusion in international business (IB). Employing a social constructivism approach, this paper moves beyond conventional economic typologies and specific cases to offer an integrative and socially embedded perspective for understanding gender dynamics in the Japanese workplace. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint paper critiques existing research on Japanese women professionals, drawing on factual evidence and literature to propose a double-loop gendering framework. This framework explores the socially constructed phenomenon of women in the Japanese workplace at multiple levels, providing a holistic interpretation of gender dynamics. Findings We identify five macro-level environmental factors that influence female labour participation, leadership positions and entrepreneurship. These factors are mediated by career motivation, corporate culture and men’s attitudes towards gender equality. Distinguishing between first-loop gendering, which focuses on problem-solving for improved gender equality, and second-loop gendering, which examines the underlying assumptions of social norms, values and beliefs, offers insights into the challenges Japan faces in achieving female leadership and equality. Second-loop gendering may help explain the paradoxical state of Japan’s women professionals, characterized by slow progress in gender equality despite significant political and financial resources. Our analysis reveals complex, multi-level interactions and influences within this socially constructed phenomenon. Originality/value This viewpoint paper provides a critical analysis of gender studies in the Japanese context, offering potential avenues for IB explorations. The insights extend to future IB studies, international comparisons of gender equality and the management of gender diversity in multinational corporations (MNCs).

Painless thyroiditis associated with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections in a patient with central hypothyroidism after pituitary surgery.

We present the case of a 50-year-old Japanese woman who was transferred to our hospital with a 2-day history of fever, sore throat, and malaise. She was diagnosed with acromegaly 9 months ago while being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis, for which she underwent pituitary surgery. She was diagnosed with hypopituitarism postoperatively and was prescribed hydrocortisone and levothyroxine. Her glycemic control was good on metformin. Tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza were positive in the emergency room. Other laboratory findings included thyrotoxicosis (free T3: 9.13 pg/mL; free T4: 3.64 ng/dL; and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): <0.01 μIU/mL) and a high C-reactive protein (CRP) level (3.84 mg/dL). The test for the TSH receptor antibody was negative. She had no apparent goiter and reported no tenderness in response to thyroid palpation. 99m-Technetium scintigraphy revealed decreased tracer uptake. Ultrasonography showed no hypoechoic lesions. Her thyrotoxicosis spontaneously resolved after 6 weeks. Although both anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were negative 9 months ago, TgAb was positive at admission. The test for TPOAb became positive 6 weeks later. These findings were suggestive of painless thyroiditis. In this patient, painless thyroiditis was believed to be caused by SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections. Screening tests of thyroid function in patients with viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza are recommended, even when thyroid gland pain or tenderness is not observed. We describe a case of painless thyroiditis associated with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections. Although a few cases of painless thyroiditis associated with COVID-19 have been reported, no cases of painless thyroiditis associated with influenza have been reported. In this case, thyrotoxicosis developed immediately after the viral infection. In addition, tests for anti-thyroglobulin antibody and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody were negative before the onset of symptoms. Tests for the former became positive at the time of onset of symptoms, whereas tests for the latter became positive several weeks after the onset of symptoms. Patients with viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, who had no goiter or thyroid tenderness, may develop painless thyroiditis; screening tests for thyroid function are recommended.

Three consecutive cases of acute liver failure in young women due to acetaminophen overdose: insights into Japanese social issues and transplantation landscape.

Acetaminophen (APAP) is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug known worldwide for its safety and efficacy. However, in Japan, OTC drug overdose has become a prominent social problem in recent years due to stricter regulations for other drugs, especially among young people, and APAP is an increasing cause of acute liver injury due to overdose. This report describes three consecutive cases of acute liver failure in young women (22, 22 and 19years old) due to APAP overdose in December 2023. Despite severe liver injury, indicated by high ALT levels and coagulopathy, these cases recovered without requiring liver transplantation. This report discusses three cases of acute liver failure in young Japanese women following APAP overdose, reflecting a national increase in such cases due to increased misuse of OTC drugs and societal factors. Key findings include the need for early treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the importance of mental health assessment in the management of overdose patients. The cases underscore the need for prompt team-based care to prevent serious outcomes and highlight the complexity of liver transplantation decisions in Japan, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the escalating problem of APAP overdose.

Differences in sarcopenia indices in elderly Japanese women and their relationships with obesity classified according to waist circumference, BMI, and body fat percentage

BackgroundSarcopenic obesity (SO) is defined as a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in body fat mass (BFM) due to aging. Detecting SO in elderly women is important from the perspective of extending healthy life expectancy. While various indices of SO are currently used, there is no global consensus regarding diagnostic criteria for SO. This study aimed to examine the relationship between obesity indices (waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BFP)) and sarcopenia indices (total body muscle mass (TBM), appendicular lean mass (ALM), skeletal mass index (SMI)), and physical function (gait speed (GS), handgrip strength (HGS)).MethodsSubjects were 170 community-dwelling healthy elderly women aged 65–79 years (mean: 72.7 ± 5.78 years) who underwent measurements for WC, BMI, and BFP. A WC of ≥ 90cm was defined as the obese group, BMI was determined as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m2) and a cutoff of ≥ 25 kg/m2 was used to define the obesity group. BFM was measured using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method and BFP was calculated from body weight and a cutoff of ≥ 30% was used to define the obesity group. TBM and ALM (kg) were measured using the BIA method, ALM (kg) was corrected for height (m2) to obtain SMI (kg/m2). Physical function was assessed by GS and HGS, which were measured by the 5-m walk test and a digital grip strength meter, respectively.ResultsWhen obesity was assessed using BMI, WC and BFP, obese individuals had higher TBM, ALM and SMI, and lower GS among the sarcopenia indicators. HGS did not differ significantly between the non-obese and obese groups.ConclusionOur findings suggest HGS is thought to reflect muscle strength without being affected by obesity indices, suggesting that it may be useful in detecting possible sarcopenia in obese individuals.

Association between renal function and fracture incidence during treatment with teriparatide or alendronate: an exploratory subgroup analysis of the Japanese Osteoporosis Intervention Trial-05.

Incidence rate of morphometric vertebral fracture was lower under treatment with once-weekly teriparatide (TPTD) followed by alendronate (ALN) than under treatment with ALN throughout the study among elderly Japanese women at high fracture risk in JOINT-05. This is an exploratory subgroup analysis according to chronic kidney disease (CKD) status at baseline. Participants received sequential therapy with TPTD for 72weeks, followed by ALN for 48weeks (TPTD-ALN group, N = 483) or ALN monotherapy for 120weeks (ALN group, N = 496). Baseline CKD status was classified by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and categorized as: CKD 1/2 (eGFR ≥ 60mL/min/1.73 m2), CKD 3a (eGFR 45-59mL/min/1.73 m2), or CKD 3b/4 (eGFR < 45mL/min/1.73 m2). Incidences of vertebral fractures including morphometric fractures, non-vertebral fractures, and all fractures were evaluated during follow-up. Baseline characteristics were not different between treatment groups. Higher stages of CKD were associated with age and number of prevalent vertebral fracture. In CKD 1/2 patients (N = 556 with 90 incidents of morphometric vertebral fracture), the incidence of vertebral fractures was lower in the TPTD-ALN group than in the ALN group (p = 0.01). In CKD 3b/4 patients (N = 112 with 10 incidents of non-vertebral fracture), the incidence of non-vertebral fractures was lower in the ALN group than in the TPTD-ALN group, although the number of fractures was small. In the ALN group, the incidences of vertebral fractures, non-vertebral fractures, and all fractures remained constant across CKD stages. This exploratory analysis showed that fracture incidence on ALN was constant regardless of renal function. It also suggested that the incidence of vertebral fractures on TPTD-ALN was lower than ALN monotherapy in CKD 1/2 patients. These results provide important information for drug selection in the clinical practice of osteoporosis.

Development of a predictive scoring system for vitamin D deficiency 'Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring (ViDDPreS)' based on the vitamin D status in young Japanese women: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is common among young women and causes various health problems, including those that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, we investigated the risk factors for VDD in young Japanese women and developed a simple risk scoring system called Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring (ViDDPreS). A cross-sectional study, using the following factors for multivariate logistic regression analysis to create the ViDDPreS score: residential area, season, cumulative ambient ultraviolet-B irradiation, BMI, vitamin D supplement use, sun exposure habits, frequency of habitual food intake and eating habits. The subjects were randomly divided into development and test sets for analysis. Serum 25-hydroxivitamin D concentration of less than 20 ng/ml was defined as VDD. Four regions (Hokkaido/Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu/Kinki/Shikoku and Kyushu/Okinawa) in Japan. Five hundred and eighty-three healthy women aged 18-40 years. In the development set, the VDD group (68·4 %) had higher proportions of the following variables than the non-VDD group: residential area outside the Kanto region; blood samples obtained in winter; low BMI (<18·5 kg/m2); vitamin D supplement non-users; short time regularly spent outside on weekdays; intake of fish, vitamin D-abundant fish, dried fish and redfish less than once a week. VDD risk was classified as low, medium or high according to the ViDDPreS scores including these contributing factors, with a test set C-index of 0·671. We identified the risk factors for VDD in young Japanese women and developed a simple risk scoring system that enables us to assess VDD risk and aid in the development of appropriate prevention and treatment strategies for this population.

The association between interoception and olfactory affective responses

Odors are known to affect an individual’s emotions and physiological states. Recent research has revealed that olfaction is linked to the mental representation of internal sensations, known as interoception. However, little research has examined how interoception relates to emotional responses to odors. This research aimed to fill this gap in the literature. We conducted two studies with a total of 548 Japanese women (n = 500 and n = 48 in Studies 1 and 2, respectively). Study 1 used an online survey to assess the relationship between self-reported interoceptive traits and the intensity of positive emotions in response to daily odors. Study 2 examined how self-reported interoceptive traits modulated the arousal ratings of odors presented in the laboratory and the concordance between these perceived arousal ratings and odor-evoked physiological responses. Study 1 confirmed that self-reported interoceptive traits were significant predictors of positive emotional intensity of odors. In Study 2, individuals with high interoceptive measure scores showed concordance between their perceived emotional arousal and the physiological responses associated with that emotion, whereas individuals with low scores did not. These findings suggest that how people perceive their internal sensations contributes to shaping their olfactory affective experiences, thereby broadening the scope of interoception research and aromachology. The practical implications of these findings for the development of commercial fragrances are discussed.

Inconvenient academic workers? Collective (Re)humanisation through the dialogue of a Freirean Reading Circle

ABSTRACT We argue that academia's performative obsession is inherently dehumanising. We seek to rehumanise academia by sharing a method for collective research and writing. Through a fresh approach to Freirean Reading Circles (FRCs), we offer a series of images and conversations from our circle meetings to demonstrate aspects of humanity often erased in traditional academic writing. Although FRCs can be adapted to different cultural artefacts, our choice of the Japanese novel Convenience Store Woman is purposeful. We explore the novel's theme of what it means to be both human and worker, and challenge the patriarchal bias of ‘great’ literature. Grounded in Paulo Freire's ideas, we demonstrate how academia's dehumanising tendencies can be challenged from within. To humanise our writing, we celebrate the joy and messiness of collective processes, foregrounding the human selves often hidden in sanitised academic writing. We invite you, as readers, to resist dehumanisation by extending our emancipatory project.

The Effect of Inheritance Receipt on Labor Supply: A Longitudinal Study of Japanese Women

Abstract This study examines the effect of inheritance receipt on labor supply, exploring the empirical issues associated with inheritance expectations, informal caregiving, and liquidity constraints. The literature has not examined the possibility that ignoring the labor supply increase associated with the termination of caregiving can lead to an underestimation of the decrease in labor supply after inheritance. Based on a dataset of Japanese women, we found that inheritance decreased labor supply, primarily through changes in the extensive margin, particularly for recipients in their 50s and under 40 years of age with children. Unlike labor supply, household expenditures hardly change after an inheritance. Furthermore, unanticipated inheritances reduce labor supply compared to anticipated inheritances. Additionally, controlling for the termination of caregiving responsibilities resulted in a 25 % larger estimate of the wealth effect of inheritance receipt on labor supply. Finally, pre-inheritance liquidity constraints have no effect on changes in labor supply.

Association between decreased walking speed and higher-level functional capacity in community-dwelling older women

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between walking speed and higher-level functional capacity in community-dwelling older women. Data were collected from 91 healthy Japanese women aged ≥65 years (mean age, 78.7 years) in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture. Participants’ higher-level functional capacity was assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC). Participants were categorized into two groups based on walking speed (faster or slower than 1.0 m/s). Logistic regression analysis revealed that grip strength [odds ratio (OR): 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.713-0.992], the total JST-IC score (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.675-0.997), and the JST-IC subscale for use of technology (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.309-0.958) were significant factors associated with decreased walking speed. The decreased walking speed observed among community-dwelling older women was related to cognitive aspects such as processing and spatial perception, as well as the use of technology. Maintaining physical and cognitive functions, particularly hand function, is crucial for preserving or improving walking speed, a barometer of health.

Adipose tissue insulin resistance in young Japanese women is associated with metabolic abnormalities and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate.

The proportion of young Japanese women who are underweight is exceptionally high. We previously showed that the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was high in underweight young Japanese women, and that IGT was characterized by high free fatty acid levels and adipose tissue insulin resistance (ATIR). As the next step, this study aimed to explore factors associated with elevated ATIR in this population. Ninety-eight young, healthy, underweight women participated in this study. To investigate the relationship between ATIR and metabolic parameters, participants were divided into three groups (Low, Medium, and High) according to ATIR level. Body composition examination, oral glucose tolerance testing, and blood biochemical analysis were performed; Adipo-IR and the Matsuda index were used as indices of ATIR and systemic insulin sensitivity, respectively. Participants in the High ATIR group had the highest prevalence of IGT (25%), and significantly higher body fat percentage, whole-body insulin resistance, and levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) than the other two groups. They were also significantly younger and had higher systolic blood pressure than the Low ATIR group. Multiple regression analysis showed that DHEA-S, which is known to enhance lipolysis in adipose tissue, was an independent correlate of ATIR. Underweight Japanese women with high ATIR had impaired metabolism, a higher prevalence of IGT, higher systemic insulin resistance, and higher systolic blood pressure. DHEA-S was a determinant of high ATIR levels.