Internal medicine
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Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at a high risk for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Serum levels of chemerin have been found elevated in subjects with MetS and are associated with several cardiovascular factors. This study was undertaken to determine whether serum chemerin levels are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with MetS. ⋯ Elevated serum chemerin levels could be considered as an independent predictive marker of the presence of CAD in patients with MetS.
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To date, there is very limited longitudinal data on COPD and incidence estimates in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the 12-year cumulative incidence of airflow obstruction (COPD) in Japanese males. ⋯ The cumulative incidence of airflow obstruction defined using the fixed ratio and LLN criteria was strongly associated with smoking status. This study suggested that early cessation of smoking may prevent the development of airflow obstruction among smokers.
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We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate which factors have a significant impact on wheezing and QOL in the elderly of a Japanese local community. ⋯ It is suggested that bronchial asthma and heart disease are both significant causes of wheezing and affect the QOL in the elderly of a Japanese local community.
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In the aged population, serum cholesterol is directly correlated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. We aimed to investigate the correlation between non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) level and CHD and coronary lesions in an aged population. ⋯ In conclusion, serum non-HDL-C was closely associated with development of CHD and coronary artery lesions severity.
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Kyphosis is a risk factor for the presence of hiatal hernia, which is a strong predictor of Barrett's esophagus. However, the association between kyphosis and Barrett's esophagus has not yet been clarified. To investigate this relationship, the Cobb angle, a marker of kyphosis, was measured in patients with and without Barrett's esophagus. ⋯ Kyphosis is a risk factor for the presence of LSBE in Japanese patients.