Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) concentrations are known to be an indicator of chronic liver injury and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum M2BPGi concentrations and the development of type 2 diabetes in a Japanese community.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention interventions focused at reducing risky sexual behaviours are an important strategy for preventing HIV infection among youth (15-24 years) who continue to be vulnerable to the disease. This systematic review aims to synthesise current global evidence on the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions for reducing risky sexual behaviour among youth in the last decade.

To investigate the association of alternative glycemic measures - namely, serum glycated albumin (GA), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) and the GA : HbA1c ratio - with global brain and hippocampal atrophy in a general elderly Japanese population.

We aimed to develop a risk prediction model for incident dementia using predictors that are available in primary-care settings.

To quantify the associations between muscle-strengthening activities and the risk of non-communicable diseases and mortality in adults independent of aerobic activities.

While gait speed, one-leg standing balance, and handgrip strength have been shown to be independent predictors for functional disability, it is unclear whether such simple measures of physical function contribute to improved risk prediction of functional disability in older adults.

This study aimed to examine the associations between time spent in prolonged and non-prolonged sedentary bouts and the development of metabolic syndrome.

Background Epidemiological studies have reported a link between serum LBP (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) levels and lifestyle-related diseases. However, there have been no longitudinal studies investigating the association of serum LBP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general populations. Methods and Results A total of 2568 community-dwelling Japanese individuals 40 years and older without prior CVD were followed for 10 years (2002-2012). Serum LBP levels were divided into quartiles (quartile 1: 2.20-9.68 μg/mL; quartile 2: 9.69-10.93 μg/mL; quartile 3: 10.94-12.40 μg/mL; quartile 4: 12.41-24.34 μg/mL). The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% CIs for the incidence of CVD were computed using a Cox proportional hazards model. During the follow-up period, 180 individuals developed CVD. The age- and sex-adjusted cumulative incidence of CVD increased significantly with higher serum LBP levels (P for trend=0.005). Individuals with higher serum LBP levels had a significantly greater risk of the development of CVD after adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors (quartile 1: HR, 1.00 [reference]; quartile 2: HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.60-1.78]; quartile 3: HR, 1.52 [95% CI, 0.92-2.51]; and quartile 4: HR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.17-3.09]; P for trend=0.01). This association remained significant after additional adjustment for homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P for trend=0.01). However, when additional adjustment was made for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, the association was attenuated to the nonsignificant level (P for trend=0.08). Conclusions The present findings suggest that higher serum LBP levels are associated with increased risk of the development of CVD in the general Japanese population. Low-grade endotoxemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of CVD through chronic systemic inflammation.

The association between chronic lipopolysaccharide exposure and the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unclear. In this study we examined the association between serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, an indicator of lipopolysaccharide exposure, and the development of MetS in a general Japanese population.

To assess the association of regional grey matter atrophy with dementia risk in a general older Japanese population.

Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels have been associated with the progression of kidney impairment among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but only a few studies have investigated the association between serum NT-proBNP levels and incident CKD in general populations.

Rationale: Several Western studies have reported that participants with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) have higher risks of airflow limitation (AFL) and death. However, evidence in East Asian populations is limited. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between PRISm and the risks of death and incident AFL in a Japanese population. Methods: A total of 3,032 community-dwelling Japanese participants aged ⩾40 years were seen in follow-up for a median of 5.3 years by annual spirometry examinations. Participants were classified into lung function categories at baseline as follows: normal spirometry (FEV1/FVC ⩾0.70 and FEV1 ⩾80% predicted), PRISm (⩾0.70 and <80%), AFL Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 1 (<0.70 and ⩾80%), and AFL Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2-4 (<0.70 and <80%). Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals were computed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Measurements and Main Results: During the follow-up period, 131 participants died, 22 of whom died of cardiovascular disease, and 218 participants developed AFL. When examining the prognosis of each baseline lung function category, participants with PRISm had higher risks of all-cause death (HR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.59) and cardiovascular death (HR, 4.07; 1.07-15.42) than those with normal spirometry after adjusting for confounders. Moreover, the multivariable-adjusted risk of incident AFL was greater in participants with PRISm than in those with normal spirometry (HR, 2.48; 1.83-3.36). Conclusions: PRISm was associated with higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular death and a greater risk of the development of AFL in a Japanese community.

The present study aimed to examine cross-sectional associations between objectively measured sedentary time and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in a general Japanese population, and to elucidate possible mediating roles of diet, obesity and insulin resistance in this relationship.

It is unknown whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in bouts of <10 minutes protects against disability risks or if only 10 minutes bouts of MVPA is critical. Additionally, it is unclear whether light physical activity (LPA) or its accumulation patterns is associated with functional disability.