To investigate effects of low body mass index (BMI) and smoking on all-cause mortality among middle-aged and elderly Japanese, we conducted a community-based prospective study. A mail survey was conducted in 1987-1990 in four towns, western Japan. A cohort of 7,301 Japanese men and 8,825 Japanese women was followed up from the date of the mail survey to 1995 in three of the towns and 1998 in the fourth town. We investigated the effect of BMI and smoking on all-cause mortality by using Cox's proportional hazards model. The relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality was a reverse J-shape with minimal mortality in 24 < or = BMI < 26 in men and a U-shape with minimal mortality in 22 < or = BMI < 24 in women, after adjusting for age and smoking. The lowest BMI category (BM < 20) had the highest all-cause mortality in men and also in women. Taking only never-smokers, the highest risk for all-cause mortality was observed in the lowest BMI category for men and for women. This does not seem to be explained by smoking and pre-existing diseases. More attention should be paid to persons with low BMI.

(Hitachi 7350) by the uricase method. Statistical analysisFor statistical analysis, we took two steps. First, logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between alcohol intake and high serum uric acid level. Odds ratios were calculated from a multivariate models adjusted for age, BMI, intake of snacks, and smoking habits. In this analyses, among 715 subjects, cases were subjects whose serum uric acid levels were 7.0+ mg/dL (n=183) because hyperuricemia is defined as a serum uric acid level of 7.0 mg/dL or higher, without regard to sex or age, by the Japanese Society of Gout and Nucleic Acid Metabolism.29 Controls were subjects whose serum uric acid levels were less than 6.0 mg/dL (n=328) because the Japanese Society of Gout and Nucleic Acid Metabolism recommended to control the serum uric acid level less than 6.0mg/dL. 29 Second, we investigated the relationships between the alcoholic beverage type and high serum uric acid levels. Logistic regression analysis was also performed to adjust the effects of age, alcohol intake, BMI, intake of snacks, and smoking habits. In these analyses, among 385 subjects who were regular drinkers and identified one main alcoholic beverage consumed, cases were subjects whose serum uric acid levels were also 7.0+ mg/dL (n=121) and controls were subjects whose serum uric acid levels were less than 6.0 mg/dL (n=148). All data were analyzed with SPSS ® Base 11.5J for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

In this study, we aim to compare the criteria for sensitizers among national organizations in various countries and international organizations, and to specify whether each Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)-designated chemical substance is a sensitizer by each organization. The definition of sensitizing chemicals and the designation of respective sensitizers according to the PRTR law, Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), European Union (EU), and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinshaft (DFG) were studied. Of the 435 PRTR-designated chemical substances, 15 are listed as sensitizers according to the PRTR law, 16 as sensitizers of the airway and 21 as sensitizers of the skin by JSOH, 12 as sensitizers (no discrimination) by ACGIH, 19 (airway) and 85 (skin) by EU, and 15 (airway) and 43 (skin) by DFG. Only 9 substances were designated as sensitizers by all these organizations. The variation in the designation of sensitizers is accounted for by the differences in the classification criteria and grouping of chemical substances. JSOH limits the definition of sensitizers to substances that induce allergic reactions in humans and uses only human data. Other organizations utilize not only human evidence but also appropriate animal tests. In addition, EU designates an isocyanate as a sensitizer except those for which there is evidence showing that they do not cause respiratory sensitivity. The worldwide enforcement of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals could promote not only the consistent designation of sensitizers among national and international organizations, but also the development of testing guidelines and classification criteria for mixtures.

Crude and BW-adjusted ENMRs were affected mainly by LBW and VLBW early neonate specific ENMR, but not by the rate of LBW. The variation of ENMR among prefectures in Japan is attributable to the number of OB/GYN physicians. The present findings suggest that emphasis should be laid upon enhancement of regional perinatal care systems.

In this study, we aim to compare the criteria for sensitizers among national organizations in various countries and international organizations, and to specify whether each Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)-designated chemical substance is a sensitizer by each organization. The definition of sensitizing chemicals and the designation of respective sensitizers according to the PRTR law, Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), European Union (EU), and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinshaft (DFG) were studied. Of the 435 PRTR-designated chemical substances, 15 are listed as sensitizers according to the PRTR law, 16 as sensitizers of the airway and 21 as sensitizers of the skin by JSOH, 12 as sensitizers (no discrimination) by ACGIH, 19 (airway) and 85 (skin) by EU, and 15 (airway) and 43 (skin) by DFG. Only 9 substances were designated as sensitizers by all these organizations. The variation in the designation of sensitizers is accounted for by the differences in the classification criteria and grouping of chemical substances. JSOH limits the definition of sensitizers to substances that induce allergic reactions in humans and uses only human data. Other organizations utilize not only human evidence but also appropriate animal tests. In addition, EU designates an isocyanate as a sensitizer except those for which there is evidence showing that they do not cause respiratory sensitivity. The worldwide enforcement of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals could promote not only the consistent designation of sensitizers among national and international organizations, but also the development of testing guidelines and classification criteria for mixtures.