1. |
- Abe, Takafumi, et al.
(author)
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Assessing the impact of a hilly environment on depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in japan : A cross-sectional study
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although some neighborhood environmental factors have been found to affect depressive symptoms, few studies have focused on the impact of living in a hilly environment, i.e., land slope, on depressive symptoms among rural older adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether a land slope is associated with depressive symptoms among older adults living in rural areas. Data were collected from 935 participants, aged 65 years and older, who lived in Shimane prefecture, Japan. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and defined on the basis of an SDS score ≥ 40. Land slopes within a 400 m network buffer were assessed using geographic information systems. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of depressive symptoms were estimated using logistic regression. A total of 215 (23.0%) participants reported depressive symptoms. The land slope was positively associated with depressive symptoms (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.01–1.08) after adjusting for all confounders. In a rural setting, living in a hillier environment was associated with depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Japan.
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2. |
- Abe, Takafumi, et al.
(author)
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Association between flexibility activity and blood-pressure change among older adults in Japan : A 5-year longitudinal study
- 2023
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. - 0905-7188. ; 33:8, s. 1552-1559
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This longitudinal study examined the relationship between flexibility-activity and blood-pressure (BP) change among older adults in Japan. Our study included 452 older adults who took part in our survey in both 2012/2013 and 2017/2018. The seated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured both at baseline and at the 5 years follow-up. The frequencies of the different physical activities at baseline were assessed using a questionnaire. A generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the non-standardized coefficient (B) of BP change associated with flexibility activity, after adjustments for sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, antihypertensive medication use, history of heart disease, walking time, and muscle-strengthening activity as a fixed-effect, and area of residence as a random-effect. Higher flexibility-activity frequency was significantly associated with reduced SBP (B = -0.77 [95% confidence intervals = −1.36, −0.18], p for linear trend = 0.01, p for quadratic trend = 0.85) and DBP (−0.33 [−0.71, 0.05], p for linear trend = 0.09, p for quadratic trend = 0.04). Engaging in flexibility activity for 3 days per week was significantly associated with a reduction in DBP (B = −4.16, 95% CI [−7.53, −0.79], p = 0.02) compared with that in the reference group (0 days per week). Interaction tests were not significant between basic variables (sex, age, BMI, and antihypertensive medication) and flexibility. In conclusion, higher flexibility activity frequency was associated with a reduction in BP in older adults. Future longitudinal and interventional studies should examine the effects of flexibility activity on cardiovascular disease prevention.
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3. |
- Abe, Takafumi, et al.
(author)
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Association between hilliness and walking speed in community-dwelling older Japanese adults : A cross-sectional study: Hilliness and slow walking speed
- 2021
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In: Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-4943. ; 97
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between hilliness and walking speed in community-dwelling older adults, and whether it varied according to their car-driving status. Methods: Data were collected from 590 participants aged 65 and older living in Okinoshima Town, Shimane prefecture, Japan, in 2018. Comfortable walking speed (m/s) was objectively assessed. Hilliness was measured by the mean land slope (degree) within a 500-m or 1000-m network buffer around each participant's home using a geographic information system. A multiple linear regression examined whether the land slope was associated with walking speed, adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, smoking habits, alcohol consumption habits, exercise habits, chronic disease, and living arrangements. A stratified analysis by car-driving status was also conducted. Results: After adjusting for all confounders, the land slope within the 500-m or 1000-m network buffer was negatively associated with walking speed (B = -0.007, 95% CI [-0.011, -0.002]; B = -0.007, 95% CI [-0.011, -0.003], respectively). The stratified analysis by car-driving status showed that living in a hilly area was negatively associated with walking speed among non-drivers in the 500-m or 1000-m network buffer (B = -0.011, 95% CI [-0.017, -0.004]; B = -0.012, 95% CI [-0.019, -0.006]), though there were no associations among drivers. Conclusions: A hilly environment is positively associated with slow walking speed in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Moreover, car-driving status potentially modifies the relationship between living in a hilly environment and slow walking speed.
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4. |
- Abe, Takafumi, et al.
(author)
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Hilly environment and physical activity among community-dwelling older adults in Japan : a cross-sectional study
- 2020
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 10:3, s. 033338-033338
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether a moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) level and walking time were associated with a hilly environment in rural Japanese older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Unnan city, Ohnan and Okinoshima towns in Shimane, Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from 1115 adults from the Shimane CoHRE study, who were aged 60 years and older and living in rural Japan in 2012. MEASURES: We measured the total time spent on MVPA and walking using a Japanese short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The land slope in 400 or 800 m network buffers was assessed using the geographic information system. A multivariable Poisson regression model examined the prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs of walking time or MVPA levels meeting the WHO guideline (>150 min/week) in the land slope categories (low, middle and high), adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Engaging in the recommended level of MVPA was significantly associated with middle land slope (PR=1.07; p=0.03) and high land slope (PR=1.06; p=0.07) compared with low land slope in the 400 m network buffer, as well as with middle land slope (PR=1.02; p=0.48) and high land slope (PR=1.04; p=0.25) compared with the low land slope in the 800 m network buffer. Walking time was significantly associated with middle land slope (PR=1.13; p=0.04) and high land slope (PR=1.17; p=0.01) compared with low land slope in the 400 m network buffer, and with middle land slope (PR=1.09; p=0.16) and high land slope (PR=1.17; p<0.01) compared with low land slope in the 800 m network buffer. The sensitivity analysis found only a positive association between walking time and land slope in the 400 and 800 m network buffers. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a hilly environment was positively associated with walking time among older adults living in rural Japan.
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5. |
- Abe, Takafumi, et al.
(author)
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Number of teeth and masticatory function are associated with sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus status among community-dwelling older adults : A Shimane CoHRE study
- 2021
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 16:6 June
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: We aimed to examine the number of teeth and masticatory function as oral health indices and clarify their roles in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus in communitydwelling older adults. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 635 older adults in Ohnan, Shimane Prefecture, in rural Japan. The number of teeth and masticatory function (measured by the number of gummy jelly pieces collected after chewing) were evaluated by dental hygienists. Sarcopenia status was assessed using handgrip strength, skeletal muscle index, calf circumference, and a possible sarcopenia diagnosis based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Diabetes mellitus status was defined as a hemoglobin A1c level ≥6.5% or self-reported diabetes. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between oral health, sarcopenia, and diabetes mellitus after adjusting for confounders. Results: After adjusting for all confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that the number of remaining teeth was negatively associated with a low level of handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR], 0.961; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.932-0.992) and possible sarcopenia (OR, 0.949; 95% CI, 0.907-0.992). Higher levels of masticatory function were also negatively associated with a low level of handgrip strength (OR, 0.965; 95% CI, 0.941-0.990) and possible sarcopenia (OR, 0.941; 95% CI, 0.904-0.979). Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of remaining teeth and a higher level of masticatory function were negatively associated with diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.978; 95% CI, 0.957-0.999; OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.960-0.992, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that improvement in oral health, including the maintenance of masticatory function and remaining teeth, may contribute to the prevention of sarcopenia and diabetes mellitus in older adults.
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6. |
- Abe, Takafumi, et al.
(author)
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Social participation and physical prefrailty in older Japanese adults : The Shimane CoHRE study
- 2020
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 15:12 December
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As older adults in an early stage (prefrailty) of frailty may return to a healthy state, it is necessary to examine the prevention of prefrailty. In this context, the number and types of social participation activities associated with physical prefrailty in community-dwelling older adults have remained relatively unexplored. This cross-sectional study investigates this issue by analyzing 616 participants living in Okinoshima, Shimane, a rural area of Japan, in 2019. Frailty was assessed using the 5-item frailty phenotype (unintentional weight loss, selfreported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity). Data on social participation were obtained using a questionnaire based on participants' level of involvement with volunteer groups, sports clubs/groups, neighborhood associations, religious organizations/groups, and community elderly salons; their answers were categorized as "yes"if they answered "several times per year or more"and "no"if they answered "never."Binominal logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of prefrailty by the number or types of social participation activities, adjusted for gender, age, body mass index, smoking, medication-taking, educational attainment, working status, and living arrangement. Of the 616 participants, 273 (44.3%) and 28 (4.5%) had prefrailty and frailty, respectively. The analysis showed that the number of social participation activities was significantly associated with lower odds of prefrailty (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.94). Regarding the types of social participation, sports clubs/groups were associated with lower odds of prefrailty (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.73). Participation in neighborhood associations was associated with prefrailty/frailty (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.86). These results suggest that increasing the number of social participation activities or involvement in sports clubs/groups and neighborhood associations may be important to prevent physical prefrailty in the older population.
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7. |
- Fukuoka, Rie, et al.
(author)
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Inconvenience of living place affects individual hba1c level in a rural area in Japan : Shimane cohre study
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: It has been shown that the socio-geographical environment of residential areas, such as altitude, affects the health status and health-maintenance behavior of residents. Here, we examined a hypothesis that altitude of residence would influence glycemic control in a general elderly population living in a rural area. Methods: A thousand and sixteen participants living in a mountainous region in Japan were recruited at health examinations. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured in serum as a parameter of glycemic control. The altitude of residence, distance to grocery stores and to medical facilities were estimated using a geographic information system. Results: Linear regression analysis confirmed a significant effect of the altitude on log HbA1c even after adjustment of other demographic and biochemical factors. When the distance to grocery stores or medical facilities were used instead of the altitude in a linear regression analysis, distance to secondary medical facilities alone showed a significant effect on HbA1c. Conclusions: We found a positive correlation between HbA1c level and residential altitude in a rural area of Japan. The altitude seemed to be a parameter substituting in the convenience of residential areas. Socio-geographical factors of living place, such as inconvenience, may influence glycemic control of the residents.
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8. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Accessible Transportation, Geographic Elevation, and Masticatory Ability Among Elderly Residents of a Rural Area.
- 2015
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 12:7, s. 7199-7207
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Given that public transportation networks are often worse in rural areas than in urban areas, rural residents who do not drive can find it difficult to access health-promoting goods, services, and resources related to masticatory ability. Moreover, geographical location, assessed by elevation, could modify this association. The aim of this study was to test whether the association between access to transportation and masticatory ability varied by elevation. Data were collected from a cross-sectional study conducted in Mizuho and Iwami counties, Japan. Objective masticatory ability was evaluated using a test gummy jelly and elevation was estimated by the geographic information systems according to the participant's address. After excluding subjects with missing data, 672 subjects (Mizuho = 401 and Iwami = 271) were analyzed. After adjustment for potential confounders, being a driver was not significantly associated with masticatory ability among elderly people living at low elevation (≤313 m) in Mizuho county. However, after the same adjustment, being a driver remained significantly associated with increased masticatory ability among elderly at high elevations. Similar findings were observed in Iwami county. Accessible transportation was significantly associated with increased mastication ability in elderly people living at high elevations, but not in those living at low elevations.
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9. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Car driving status and living arrangement associated with sarcopenia among rural japanese older adults : A cross-sectional study
- 2022
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ensuring mobility after driving cessation is an important public health issue to prevent functional limitations, but this issue is still not fully understood in rural settings. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that being a non-driver and living alone is associated with a greater risk of sarcopenia among the community-dwelling elderly in rural Japanese areas. This study was conducted in 2018 and data from 738 participants were used. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring walking speed, handgrip strength, and skeletal muscle mass. Car driving status and living arrangement were collected using self-reported questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Four groups were set to determine combined conditions of car driving status and living arrangement. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval of sarcopenia after adjustment for confounding factors. Compared with the reference group (driver and living with others), the OR of sarcopenia was significantly higher in the non-driver and living alone group (OR = 2.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–4.80). Our findings suggest that the consideration of both driving status and living arrangement are important in the formulation of public health strategies to prevent sarcopenia in rural Japanese areas.
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10. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Depression, stroke and gender: evidence of a stronger association in men.
- 2015
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In: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. - : BMJ. - 1468-330X .- 0022-3050. ; 86:3, s. 319-323
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Depression is associated with an increased risk for stroke. The aim of this study was to examine whether demographic and socioeconomic factors modify this association.
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11. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Geographic Elevation and Cognitive Function among Elderly Residents in Rural Mountainous Areas: Shimane CoHRE Study.
- 2015
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 12:10, s. 13365-13371
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to test whether there is an association between elevation and cognitive function among elderly residents in rural mountainous areas. Data were collected in 2012 from a cross-sectional study conducted in Ohnan Town, which is located in a rural mountainous area in the southern part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Cognitive function was evaluated using CADi (Cognitive Assessment for Dementia, iPad version) and elevation was estimated by using Geographic Information Systems according to the participant's address. After excluding subjects with missing data, 866 participants were analyzed. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, higher elevation was significantly associated with decreased cognitive function. This finding suggests that it is important to consider the physical environment, i.e., elevation, that would affect accessibility to health-promoting goods, services, and resources when seeking to maintain cognitive function in elderly people living in rural mountainous areas.
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12. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Geographic elevation, car driving, and depression among elderly residents in rural areas : The Shimane CoHRE study
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 13:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Given that public transportation networks are often worse in rural areas than in urban areas, it is difficult for elderly non-drivers to access health-promoting goods, services, and resources related to mental health. Moreover, geographical location, assessed by elevation, could modify this association in a rural area. The aim of this study was to test whether the association between car driving (being a driver or not) and depression, as measured by the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), varied by elevation. Data were collected from a cross-sectional study conducted in the town of Ohnan located in a rural area of Japan. After excluding participants with missing data (n = 26), 876 participants were analysed in this study. After adjustment for potential confounders, being a non-driver had a significantly higher odds ratio of SDS (40+) among elderly people living at a low elevation (odds ratio = 2.17, 95% confidence interval = 1.28-3.71). However, similar findings were not observed among elderly people living at a high elevation. These results suggest that car driving importantly predicts depression in elderly people living at relatively low elevations in rural areas.
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13. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Is accessibility to dental care facilities in rural areas associated with number of teeth in elderly residents?
- 2017
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 14:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Given that public transportation networks are less developed in rural than in urban areas, a lack of accessibility to dental care facilities could be a barrier to routine dental checkups. Thus, we hypothesized that the distance to the dental care facilities is a risk factor for tooth loss. The aim of this study was to test whether there is an association between the distance to dental care facilities, estimated by geographic information systems, and number of teeth, assessed by an oral examination, among elderly residents of a rural area in Japan. Data were collected in 2016 from a cross-sectional study conducted in Shimane prefecture, Japan. After excluding participants with missing data (n = 21), we analyzed data from 710 participants. Of them, 40.6% were male and the mean (standard deviation) age was 67.4 (7.4) years. Further, 68.0% (n = 483) had at least 20 teeth. We found that the distance to dental care facilities was significantly associated with the number of teeth (less than 20) (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.12) after adjustment for potential confounders. This result suggested that individuals without easy access to dental care facilities may be important targets for dental care.
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14. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Is familial risk for depression confounded by individual and familial socioeconomic factors and neighborhood environmental factors? A 7-year follow-up study in Sweden
- 2018
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In: Psychiatry Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-1781. ; 266, s. 30-35
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Family history of depression is an important risk factor for depression. The aim of this study was to examine whether the effect of family history of depression is confounded by individual and familial socioeconomic factors (i.e., country of origin, educational attainment, family income and mobility) and neighborhood environmental factors (i.e., neighborhood deprivation and neighborhood social capital). The study population comprised 188,907 individuals aged 20–44 years from a nationwide sample of primary care centers in Sweden. Among these individuals, 22,014 with a first event of depression (6,486 men and 15,528 women) were identified during the 7-year follow-up period. Family history of depression was defined as depression in at least one parent. Cross-classified multilevel logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios with 95% credible intervals. Increased familial odds were observed after adjustment for individual and familial socioeconomic factors and neighborhood environmental factors for both men and women. Our results suggest that family history of depression is an independent risk factor for depression. Offspring of parents with depression are important targets for disease prevention, regardless of individual and familial socioeconomic factors and neighborhood environmental factors.
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15. |
- Hamano, Tsuyoshi, et al.
(author)
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Is the effect of body mass index on hypertension modified by the elevation? A cross-sectional study of rural areas in Japan
- 2017
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 14:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Obesity is an established independent risk factor for developing hypertension. A recent study showed that the effect of obesity on hypertension varies by the elevation of the residence area. Thus, we hypothesized that the interaction effect of body mass index (BMI) and elevation has a significant association with hypertension. The first aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether BMI was associated with hypertension, after adjustment for covariates. The second aim was to examine whether the interaction term between BMI and elevation was associated with hypertension, after adjustment for covariates. Data were collected from a cross-sectional study conducted in a rural area of Japan in 2016. After excluding participants with missing data (n = 2), data from 729 participants were analyzed. We found that BMI was significantly associated with hypertension. In addition, the interaction term between BMI and elevation had a significant association with hypertension. The findings of the present study support the recent evidence that high BMI is an independent risk factor for hypertension, but its effect varies by elevation. Thus, context-specific interventions could be an effective approach to prevent hypertension in this area.
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16. |
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17. |
- Kanoni, Stavroula, et al.
(author)
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Implicating genes, pleiotropy, and sexual dimorphism at blood lipid loci through multi-ancestry meta-analysis.
- 2022
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In: Genome biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1474-760X .- 1465-6906 .- 1474-7596. ; 23:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Genetic variants within nearly 1000 loci are known to contribute to modulation of blood lipid levels. However, the biological pathways underlying these associations are frequently unknown, limiting understanding of these findings and hindering downstream translational efforts such as drug target discovery.To expand our understanding of the underlying biological pathways and mechanisms controlling blood lipid levels, we leverage a large multi-ancestry meta-analysis (N=1,654,960) of blood lipids to prioritize putative causal genes for 2286 lipid associations using six gene prediction approaches. Using phenome-wide association (PheWAS) scans, we identify relationships of genetically predicted lipid levels to other diseases and conditions. We confirm known pleiotropic associations with cardiovascular phenotypes and determine novel associations, notably with cholelithiasis risk. We perform sex-stratified GWAS meta-analysis of lipid levels and show that 3-5% of autosomal lipid-associated loci demonstrate sex-biased effects. Finally, we report 21 novel lipid loci identified on the X chromosome. Many of the sex-biased autosomal and X chromosome lipid loci show pleiotropic associations with sex hormones, emphasizing the role of hormone regulation in lipid metabolism.Taken together, our findings provide insights into the biological mechanisms through which associated variants lead to altered lipid levels and potentially cardiovascular disease risk.
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18. |
- Kato, Norihiro, et al.
(author)
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Trans-ancestry genome-wide association study identifies 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicates a role for DNA methylation
- 2015
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 47:11, s. 1282-1293
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We carried out a trans-ancestry genome-wide association and replication study of blood pressure phenotypes among up to 320,251 individuals of East Asian, European and South Asian ancestry. We find genetic variants at 12 new loci to be associated with blood pressure (P = 3.9 × 10−11 to 5.0 × 10−21). The sentinel blood pressure SNPs are enriched for association with DNA methylation at multiple nearby CpG sites, suggesting that, at some of the loci identified, DNA methylation may lie on the regulatory pathway linking sequence variation to blood pressure. The sentinel SNPs at the 12 new loci point to genes involved in vascular smooth muscle (IGFBP3, KCNK3, PDE3A and PRDM6) and renal (ARHGAP24, OSR1, SLC22A7 and TBX2) function. The new and known genetic variants predict increased left ventricular mass, circulating levels of NT-proBNP, and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality (P = 0.04 to 8.6 × 10−6). Our results provide new evidence for the role of DNA methylation in blood pressure regulation.
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19. |
- Kijima, Tsunetaka, et al.
(author)
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Patient satisfaction and loyalty in Japanese primary care : a cross-sectional study
- 2021
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In: BMC Health Services Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6963. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This study aimed to explore associations between various elements of primary care, patient satisfaction, and loyalty. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a modified version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT), which was adapted for Japan. We distributed the PCAT questionnaire to patients aged 20 years or older at five rural primary care centres in Japan. We confirmed the validity and reliability of the measure for our study. Next, we examined which elements of primary care were related to patient satisfaction and loyalty using Spearman’s correlation and structural equation modelling. Results: Of 220 eligible patients, 206 participated in this study. We developed nine component scales: first contact (regular access), first contact (urgent access), longitudinality, coordination, comprehensiveness (variety of care), comprehensiveness (risk prevention), comprehensiveness (health promotion), family-centeredness, and community orientation. Longitudinality and first contact (urgent access) were related with patient satisfaction. Longitudinality, first contact (regular access), and family-centeredness were related to patient loyalty. In the structural equation modelling analysis, two variables were significantly related to loyalty, namely a combined variable including longitudinality and first contact (regular access), along with family-centeredness. Conclusions: While a patient satisfaction model could not be distilled from the data, longitudinality, first contact (urgent access), and family-centeredness were identified as important elements for the cultivation of patient loyalty. This implies that primary care providers need to develop a deep understanding of patients’ contexts and concerns and pay attention to their level of access to cultivate greater patient loyalty.
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20. |
- Kohno, Kunie, et al.
(author)
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Familial Transmission of Hospital-Treated Varicose Veins in Adoptees : A Swedish Family Study
- 2016
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In: Journal of the American College of Surgeons. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1072-7515. ; 223:3, s. 452-460
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Varicose veins (VVs) cluster in families, but the familial risk of VVs has not been determined among adoptees. The aim was to estimate whether the familial transmission of VVs is related to disease in biological and/or adoptive parents. Study Design: The Swedish Multi-Generation Register and the Swedish Patient Register were used to follow all Swedish-born adoptees (born 1932 through 2004) that could be linked to both their biological and their adoptive parents (n = 80,214; 50% females). The risk of VVs was estimated in adoptees with at least 1 biological parent with VVs, but no adoptive parent with VVs (n = 187) compared with adoptees without a biological or adoptive parent with VVs (n = 1,758). The risk of VVs was also determined in adoptees with at least 1 adoptive parent, but no biological parent with VVs (n = 87), and in adoptees with both biological and adoptive parents affected (n = 21). Results: Adoptees from an affected biological parent, but no adoptive parent, were more likely to have VVs than adoptees from an unaffected biological or adoptive parent (standard incidence ratio [SIR] = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.91-2.55). The familial SIR for adoptees with both an affected biological parent and an adoptive parent was 4.58 (95% CI, 2.83-7.01). Adoptees with an affected adoptive parent but no biological parent were not at increased risk of VVs (SIR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.92-1.42). Conclusions: These novel findings suggest that genetic factors make a strong contribution to the familial transmission of VVs from parents to offspring, although familial environmental factors might contribute.
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21. |
- Kohno, Kunie, et al.
(author)
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J-curve association between alcohol intake and varicose veins in Japan : The Shimane CoHRE Study
- 2019
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In: Journal of Dermatology. - : Wiley. - 1346-8138 .- 0385-2407. ; 46:10, s. 902-906
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The effect of alcohol intake on varicose veins (VV) has not been determined by its consumption level. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between alcohol intake and VV in an elderly general population. Using a cross-sectional approach, the Shimane CoHRE Study data, comprising a total of 1060 participants, were analyzed. By multivariate regression analysis adjusted with basic characteristics, past work history, lifestyle-related factors and medical history, compared with non-drinkers, mild drinkers (<20.0 g/day) showed a significantly lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of VV (aOR = 0.64, P = 0.036). In a similar way, regular drinkers (1-5 days/week) showed a significantly lower aOR of VV when compared with occasional drinkers (aOR = 0.57, P = 0.032). VV and alcohol intake showed J-curve relationships. In a stratified analysis by alcohol consumption levels, the association of smoking and VV were also observed in moderate to heavy drinkers and habitual drinkers. These findings can provide better understanding of pathophysiological mechanism and be used for evidence-based patient education.
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22. |
- Miyazaki, Ryo, et al.
(author)
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Associations between dairy consumption and the physical function in Japanese community-dwelling older adults : The Shimane CoHRE study
- 2023
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In: Geriatric Nursing. - 0197-4572. ; 53, s. 19-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: We investigated sex differences in the associations between dairy consumption and the physical function among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Six hundred and fifty-six older adults (75.6 ± 6.4 years old) participated in this study. Dairy consumption (5-item Likert score) and the physical function (gait speed, handgrip strength, and skeletal muscle mass) were measured. The linear and quadratic associations between dairy consumption and the physical function measures were examined by a multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for covariates. Results: Among women, an increased dairy consumption was significantly linearly associated with greater hand-grip strength and faster gait speed (both p<0.05) after adjusting for covariates. Among men, dairy consumption was not associated with the physical function measures. Dairy consumption was not associated with the muscle mass in either sex. Conclusions: Increased dairy consumption was associated with a superior physical function in older women.
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23. |
- Miyazaki, Ryo, et al.
(author)
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Associations between physical frailty and living arrangements in Japanese older adults living in a rural remote island : The Shimane CoHRE study
- 2022
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In: Journal of General and Family Medicine. - : Wiley. - 2189-7948. ; 23:5, s. 310-318
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Living arrangements have been known to be associated with physical frailty. However, the prevalence of frailty and its risk factors in remote islands is not understood. We examined the association between living arrangements and objectively measured frailty among older adults living in a remote island of Japan. Methods: Among older people living in Okinoshima, 656 older adults (75.6 ± 6.4 years) were analyzed. Physical frailty (robust, prefrailty, or frailty) was assessed using the 5-item frailty phenotype (unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity). Physical functions (muscle mass, gait speed, and grip strength) were measured objectively. Results: The prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was 6.6% and 43.8%, respectively. Living with a spouse resulted in a significantly lower prevalence of frailty (p < 0.001) compared with other living arrangements. All objectively measured physical functions among those who lived with a spouse were significantly superior to those who lived with family or alone (p < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression showed that living alone was significantly associated with frailty (odds ratio [OR] 2.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–5.24) and prefrailty (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.14–2.69) after adjusting for all covariates. Conclusion: The prevalence of frailty on remote islands seemed similar to that in urban areas. Older people living in remote islands might be able to maintain their physical health. Furthermore, living alone may correlate with increased risks of frailty and prefrailty. Among elderly individuals on remote islands, living with a spouse might be desirable to prevent (pre)frailty.
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24. |
- Motohiro, Atsushi, et al.
(author)
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Environmental factors affecting cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults : A longitudinal study
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although neighborhood environmental factors have been found to be associated with cognitive decline, few longitudinal studies have focused on their effect on older adults living in rural areas. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the role of neighborhood environmental factors in cognitive decline among rural older adults. The data of 485 older adults aged ≥60 years who were living in Unnan City in Japan and had participated in two surveys conducted between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Assessment for Dementia, iPad version 2. Elevation, hilliness, residential density, and proximity to a community center were determined using geographic information system. We applied a generalized estimating equation with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cognitive decline in the quartiles of neighborhood environmental factors. A total of 56 (11.6%) participants demonstrated a decrease in cognitive function at follow up. Elevation (adjusted OR 2.58, 95% CI (1.39, 4.77) for Q4 vs. Q1) and hilliness (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI (1.03, 3.63) for Q4 vs. Q1) were associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive decline. The second quartiles of residential density showed significantly lower likelihoods of cognitive decline compared with the first quartiles (adjusted OR 0.36, 95% CI (0.19, 0.71) for Q2 vs. Q1). Thus, an elevated hilly environment and residential density predicted cognitive decline among rural older adults.
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25. |
- Okuyama, Kenta, et al.
(author)
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Fast food outlets, physical activity facilities, and obesity among adults : a nationwide longitudinal study from Sweden
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Obesity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0307-0565 .- 1476-5497. ; 44:8, s. 1703-1711
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: While neighborhood deprivation is a well-known predictor of obesity, the mechanisms behind this association are unclear and these are important to clarify before designing interventions focusing on modifiable neighborhood environmental factors in order to reduce obesity risk. Objectives: This study examined the longitudinal association between availability of fast-food outlets and physical activity facilities and the risk of obesity among adults. Methods: This study used multiple national register data from Sweden. During the 11-year follow-up period between 2005 and 2015, data from 1,167,449 men and 542,606 women, aged 20–55 years, were accessible for inclusion in this analysis. Incidence of obesity was identified based on a diagnosis of obesity during the follow-up period derived from clinical register data. Neighborhood availability of fast-food outlets and physical activity facilities were assessed in 2005 and Cox regression was used in the statistical analysis. Individual socio-demographic factors and neighborhood deprivation were used as covariates. Results: There were no meaningful associations between neighborhood fast-food outlets or physical activity facilities and obesity in men or women. Neighborhood deprivation was, however, consistently and strongly associated with incidence of obesity in both men and women. Conclusions: Availability of fast-food outlets and lack of physical activity facilities appear unlikely to cause obesity in Swedish adults. Other potentially modifiable environmental factors within specific social and cultural settings that may influence obesity risk should be examined in future studies.
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26. |
- Okuyama, Kenta, et al.
(author)
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Hilly neighborhoods are associated with increased risk of weight gain among older adults in rural Japan : A 3-years follow-up study
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Health Geographics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-072X. ; 18:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Neighborhood environments have been regularly associated with the weight status. Although the evidence is mostly limited to adults residing in western urban settings, the weight status of older adults living in rural areas is also assumed to be significantly affected by their neighborhood environments. This study aimed to identify environmental attributes specific to rural areas that could affect the risk of longitudinal weight gain among older adults (≥ 65 years) in Japan. Methods: We examined five environmental attributes, i.e., land slope, public transportation accessibility, residential density, intersection density, and the availability of parks and recreational centers, measured by the geographic information system. Our analysis was based on 714 subjects participated in Shimane Community-based Healthcare Research and Education study in 2012 and 2015. Multinomial logistic regression model was conducted to examine the association between each neighborhood environmental attribute and weight change status (gain, loss and unchanged). Results: We observed a significant increase in the risk of weight gain as the steepness of the neighborhood land slope increased. There was no significant association between other environmental attributes and risk of weight gain as well as weight loss among older adults. Conclusion: Living in hilly neighborhoods was associated with increased risk of weight gain among rural Japanese older adults. Future research should consider region-specific environmental attributes when investigating their effect on older adults' weight status.
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27. |
- Okuyama, Kenta, et al.
(author)
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Neighborhood environment and muscle mass and function among rural older adults : a 3-year longitudinal study
- 2020
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In: International Journal of Health Geographics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-072X. ; 19:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Sarcopenia, resulting from loss of muscle mass and function, is highly prevalent in the ageing societies and is associated with risk of falls, frailty, loss of independence, and mortality. It is important to identify environmental risk factors, so that evidence-based interventions to prevent sarcopenia can be implemented at the population level. This study aimed to examine the potential effect of several objectively measured neighborhood environmental factors on longitudinal change of muscle mass and function among older adults living in rural Japanese towns where the population is ageing. Methods: This study was based on data from the Shimane CoHRE Study conducted by the Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE) at Shimane University in 3 rural towns in the Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Subjects older than 60 years, who participated in an annual health examination in 2016 and any follow-up years until 2019, i.e., 4 possible time points in total, were included (n = 2526). The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and grip strength were assessed objectively for each year as a measure of muscle mass and function, respectively. Neighborhood environmental factors, i.e., hilliness, bus stop density, intersection density, residential density, and distance to a community center were measured by geographic information systems (GIS). Linear mixed models were applied to examine the potential effect of each neighborhood environmental factor on the change of SMI and grip strength over time. Results: Males living far from community centers had a less pronounced decline in SMI compared to those living close to community centers. Females living in areas with higher residential density had a less pronounced decline in grip strength compared to those living in areas with lower residential density. Conclusions: Neighborhood environmental factors had limited effects on change of SMI and grip strength among rural older adults within the 3 years follow up. Further long-term follow up studies are necessary by also taking into account other modifiable neighborhood environmental factors.
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28. |
- Okuyama, Kenta, et al.
(author)
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Neighborhood environmental factors and physical activity status among rural older adults in Japan
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- (1) Background: Although several neighborhood environmental factors have been identified to be associated with older adults’ physical activity, little research has been done in rural areas where the population is aging. This study aimed to investigate neighborhood environmental factors and the longitudinal change of physical activity status among rural older adults in Japan. (2) Meth-ods: The study included 2211 older adults, aged over 60 years, residing in three municipalities in Shimane prefecture and participating at least twice in annual health checkups between 2010 and 2019. Physical activity was identified based on self-report. Hilliness, bus stop density, intersection density, residential density, and distance to a community center were calculated for each subject. Hazard ratios for the incidence of physical inactivity were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. (3) Results: We found that 994 (45%) of the study subjects became physically inactive during the follow-up. Those living far from a community center had a lower risk of becoming physically inactive compared to those living close to a community center. When the analysis was stratified by residential municipality, this association remained in Ohnan town. Those living in hilly areas had a higher risk of becoming physically inactive in Okinoshima town. (4) Conclusions: The impact of neighborhood environmental factors on older adults’ physical activity status might differ by region possibly due to different terrain and local lifestyles.
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29. |
- Takeuchi, Fumihiko, et al.
(author)
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Interethnic analyses of blood pressure loci in populations of East Asian and European descent
- 2018
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In: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 9:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and more than 200 genetic loci associated with BP are known. Here, we perform a multi-stage genome-wide association study for BP (max N = 289,038) principally in East Asians and meta-analysis in East Asians and Europeans. We report 19 new genetic loci and ancestry-specific BP variants, conforming to a common ancestry-specific variant association model. At 10 unique loci, distinct non-rare ancestry-specific variants colocalize within the same linkage disequilibrium block despite the significantly discordant effects for the proxy shared variants between the ethnic groups. The genome-wide transethnic correlation of causal-variant effect-sizes is 0.898 and 0.851 for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. Some of the ancestry-specific association signals are also influenced by a selective sweep. Our results provide new evidence for the role of common ancestry-specific variants and natural selection in ethnic differences in complex traits such as BP.
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