X-irradiated umbilical cord blood cells retain their regenerative effect in experimental stroke.

Although regenerative therapy with stem cells is believed to be affected by their proliferation and differentiation potential, there is insufficient evidence regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this regenerative effect. We recently found that gap junction-mediated cell-cell transfer of small metabolites occurred very rapidly after stem cell treatment in a mouse model of experimental stroke. This study aimed to investigate whether the tissue repair ability of umbilical cord blood cells is affected by X-irradiation at 15 Gy or more, which suppresses their proliferative ability. In this study, X-irradiated mononuclear (XR) cells were prepared from umbilical cord blood. Even though hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell activity was diminished in the XR cells, the regenerative activity was surprisingly conserved and promoted recovery from experimental stroke in mice. Thus, our study provides evidence regarding the possible therapeutic mechanism by which damaged cerebrovascular endothelial cells or perivascular astrocytes may be rescued by low-molecular-weight metabolites supplied by injected XR cells in 10 min as energy sources, resulting in improved blood flow and neurogenesis in the infarction area. Thus, XR cells may exert their tissue repair capabilities by triggering neo-neuro-angiogenesis, rather than via cell-autonomous effects.

Development and validation of the gratitude for food scale for Japanese adults.

Gratitude for food is a concept associated with various aspects of healthy and sustainable diet and originates from Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan. Against this background, a scale specifically targeting adults is essential for boosting studies concerning gratitude for food. This study aimed to adapt the Gratitude for Food Scale (GFS), originally developed for Japanese children, to Japanese adults and to examine the reliability and validity of GFS for adults (GFS-A). This cross-sectional study used baseline and one-week follow-up data from a longitudinal survey. The analysis included 1800 Japanese adults at baseline and 1380 at the one-week follow-up based on completion of self-administered questionnaires in February 2023. Construct validity was confirmed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Further, Spearman's and intraclass correlation coefficients and Cronbach's alpha were calculated to confirm criterion validity and reliability (test-retest and internal consistency). Participants' mean (SD) age was 40.2 (11.2) years (women: n = 900, 50.0%) at baseline. The analysis revealed a one-factor structure comprising five items with good model fit. Criterion validity was confirmed by the correlation coefficients between the total GFS score and the gratitude questionnaire and the sub-score of awareness and appreciation for food, which represents a subscale of the expanded mindful eating scale. Moreover, test-retest reliability and internal consistency were confirmed. From this study's results, we can see that the developed GFS-A is an appropriate scale with good reliability and validity for measuring Japanese adults' gratitude for food.

Cross-sectional associations of weekly time, social context, and motivation of exercise with mental health among workers.

PURPOSE: Exercise is considered a strategy to promote mental health among workers. However, the optimal exercise conditions that promote mental health benefits for workers are still unclear. This study examined the cross-sectional associations of weekly exercise time duration, social context of exercise, and exercise motivation levels with the mental health among Japanese workers. METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 18,902 workers, aged 20-59 years. The mental health variables (psychological distress, psychological stress reaction, physical stress reaction, job satisfaction, and work engagement), exercise participation (non-exercisers, exercisers), and demographic factors of all responders were measured. Weekly exercise time, social context of exercise (alone only, with others only, both alone and with others), and exercise motivation (non-regulation, external/introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, and internal regulation) were also measured amongst exercisers. After adjusting for demographic factors, multiple regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Exercisers had significantly lower psychological distress, lower psychological and physical stress reactions, higher job satisfaction, and higher work engagement than non-exercisers. Among exercisers, while weekly exercise time duration and social context of exercise were not clearly and robustly associated with mental health variables, respondents with intrinsic regulation had significantly lower psychological distress, lower psychological and physical stress reaction, higher job satisfaction, and higher work engagement than those with lower self-determined motivations. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that more self-determined exercise motivation is closely associated with advantageous mental health variables, than the duration or the social context of exercise among Japanese workers.

Protocol for a web-based study on the work environment and daily lifestyle of Japanese employees.

Mental health problems are prevalent among the working population and must be resolved. We conducted a web-based large-scale study of workers, including a baseline survey and two follow-up surveys, to investigate the associations between self-care behaviors in daily life (e.g., stress coping, sleep, diet, and exercise), work environment improvements, and mental health among Japanese employees from various industries. In this protocol, we demonstrate the study design and demographic data of the participants in the baseline survey. Invitations to participate in this study were sent to 421,825 internet monitor registrants in February 2022. Overall, 20,000 registrants who met the inclusion criteria participated in the survey. There were large variations in occupations and working styles (e.g., physical work, night work, and teleworking) among the participants, and we also found significant differences between male and female participants in the demographic data. An overview of the survey data suggests that the demographic characteristics of the participants in this study are comparable to those reported in previous studies on Japanese employees. We plan to use these survey data in the future to examine the associations of daily lifestyles and work environments with the mental health of Japanese employees.

[Utilization of the standard questionnaire in specific health checkups].

Objectives　Interviewing people about their health behaviour in specific health checkups (SHCs) is thought to promote awareness of and help improve such behaviour. The standard questionnaire (SQ) for SHCs consists of 22 items presented in the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. However, using items other than those necessary for stratification for specific health guidance (SHG) is optional. We believe that clarifying the actual utilization of SQ items could contribute to improving the procedure used for the fourth SHCs and SHG, which will be initiated in 2024.　This study seeks to clarify the actual utilization of the SQ for (1) conducting SHCs, (2) planning, implementing, and evaluating SHG and health programs aimed at preventing lifestyle-related diseases, and (3) planning, implementing, and evaluating the data health plan.Methods　We enrolled 3,179 people from 1,741 departments in charge of national health insurance, 47 Japan Health Insurance Association branches, and 1,391 health insurance societies across all municipalities in Japan. One participant among the study participants was the main person in charge of SHCs and SHG at each facility. We conducted a self-reported survey on the implementation of SHCs and SHG in February 2022. This study was approved by the ethics review board of the institution to which the first author belongs.Results　A total of 1,221 (38.4%) were received. The proportions of valid responses from national health insurance departments, Japan Health Insurance Association branches, and health insurance societies were 816 (46.9%), 47 (100%), and 358 (25.7%), respectively. Over 96% of responders used the group SHCs method, and over 93% of those adopting the individual SHCs method used each of the 22 SQ items. However, 187 (18.2%) responders found it difficult to use the item "If you had the opportunity to receive health guidance for lifestyle improvement, would you take it?" The reason was that the on-request SHG system was misunderstood. Additionally, only approximately 50% of respondents used the SQ to develop, implement, and evaluate their health program.Conclusion　We believe there will be no problem in implementing the SQ even if using all its component items is required. However, the aforementioned item needs to be revised. Methods to encourage health insurers and their supporters to use the SQ for health-related data collection and health program planning should be devised.

Sensory profile of picky eaters among college female students.

Picky eaters are at risk of an unbalanced diet, which is critical for women of reproductive age. A sensory profile, which is a potential factor in picky eating, has not been well researched. This study assessed the differences in sensory profile and dietary intake according to the picky eating status among female Japanese undergraduate college students. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the Ochanomizu Health Study conducted in 2018. The questionnaire included items regarding demographic characteristics, picky eating status, sensory profile, and dietary intake. Sensory profile was assessed using the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile questionnaire, and dietary intakes were calculated using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Among the 111 participants, 23% were picky eaters and 77% were non-picky eaters. The age, body mass index and household status did not differ between the picky eaters and non-picky eaters. Being a picky eater was associated with higher scores on sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding, and lower thresholds for taste and smell, touch, and auditory stimuli than being a non-picky eater. Of the picky eaters, 58% and 100% were at a high risk for folate and iron deficiencies, respectively, compared to 35% and 81% of non-picky eaters. Nutrition education for picky eaters in reproductive age to increase vegetable dishes comfortably in their diet is suggested to prevent anemia during their future pregnancy.

Integrated consumers' sustainable and healthy dietary behavior patterns: Associations between demographics, psychological factors, and meal preparation habits among Japanese adults.

The consumers' Sustainable and Healthy Dietary Behaviors (SHDBs) links sustainable behaviors related to eating (e.g., choosing, cooking, eating, and disposing of foods) with the level of "dietary behavior." It was hypothesized that SHDBs will vary depending on consumers' meal preparation habits, such as food selection, cooking frequency, and skill. This study examined (1) some of the behavioral patterns of SHDBs and (2) independent predictors of each pattern. In total, 508 Japanese adults who completed cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire surveys in December 2021 were included in the study. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the behavioral patterns of the 30-item SHDBs developed previously by the authors. Additionally, independent predictors of each component score were analyzed using multiple linear regression models, which included demographics, psychological factors concerning SHDBs (pros and cons for the decisional balance of SHDBs and number of environmental issues of interest), and meal preparation habits. Participants' median age was 41 (18-59) years (women: n = 259, 51.0%). Five SHDB patterns with several independent predictors were identified: amalgamation of all SHDBs, healthy food choices but unsustainable cooking, sustainable disposal, avoiding plastic products, and sustainable behaviors regarding expiry date. The multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated the independent predictors of the amalgamation of all SHDBs, such as being a man (ß = -0.105), greater pros (ß = 0.134), higher cooking frequency (ß = 0.443) and skill (ß = 0.244). Greater pros and/or smaller cons were associated with four of the five SHDB patterns, including an amalgamation of all SHDBs, healthy food choice and unsustainable cooking, avoiding disposal, and avoiding plastic products. Sustainable and healthy diet education must be implemented to ensure the adoption of all SHDBs.

Associations between patterns of participation in community activities and social support, self-efficacy, self-rated health among community-dwelling older adults.

Certain types of community-based social activities improve the health issues of older adults; however, the present patterns of participation in community activities remain unknown. This study aims 1) to identify community-dwelling older adults' patterns of participation in community-based activities and 2) to evaluate the relationships between social support, self-efficacy, self-rated health, and the patterns of participation in community activities. This cross-sectional study used data collected from 146 older adults aged ≥65 years who participated in community events in Japan in 2018. Cluster analysis was used to identify subjects' patterns of participation in community activities. In the multinomial logistic regression model, the participation pattern (dependent variable), and social support and self-efficacy (independent variables), were included, adjusting for age, sex, and years of residency. Three participation pattern clusters were identified: diverse activities (58%), municipal events (30%), and senior citizen club (12%). The proportion of participants reported themselves healthy were 93%, 88%, and 78% for diverse activities, municipal events, and senior citizen club clusters, respectively. Compared to those in the senior citizen club cluster, older adults in the diverse activities cluster were more likely to have self-efficacy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.19, p = .041) and social support (aOR: 2.35, p = .018), while participants in the municipal events cluster were associated with only social support (aOR: 3.29, p = .022). Increasing social support and self-efficacy may promote seniors' participation in diverse community activities, which would be beneficial for their healthy aging. Further studies are needed to evaluate the causal relationships.

[Relationship between the dietary behavior targets of Health Japan 21 (second term) and perceived food environment and health literacy].

Objective　The interim evaluation of Health Japan 21(second term), a national health promotion plan, suggested that improvements in the food environment did not lead to improvements in individual dietary habits. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the dietary behavior targets of Health Japan 21 (second term) and perceived food environment and health literacy.Method　We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in March 2019 among adults aged 20-64 years. From the 9,667 registered monitors of the research firm, we collected 2,851 responses (29.5% response rate). The perceived food environment (how people perceive the local food environment) was estimated using the following six questions, namely, availability: easy access to nutritionally balanced meals, accessibility: no inconvenience in daily shopping, affordability: access to nutritionally balanced meals at reasonable prices, accommodation: easy access to food services within business hours, acceptability: satisfaction with the quality of food ingredients, and another form of acceptability: adequate food safety. Health literacy was evaluated using five questions related to information gathering, information selection, information transfer, information judgment, and self-determination. Last, we asked the respondents about two dietary behaviors, namely, the frequency of a balanced diet (defined as comprising the staple food, a main dish, and a side dish) and the quantity of vegetable intake, along with sociodemographic information. The analysis included 2,111 respondents, excluding those whose socioeconomic status was unknown. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between perceived food environment and health literacy on dietary behaviors, while adjusting for sociodemographic factors.Result　A balanced diet was associated with the following perceptions of the food environment: "access to nutritionally balanced meals at reasonable prices" (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.37 [1.02, 1.82]; women), and "adequate food safety" (1.54 [1.19, 1.98]; men), and health literacy: "information gathering" (0.84 [0.73,0.97]; men) and "self-determination" (1.28 [1.10,1.50], 1.37 [1.14,1.63]; men, women). The quantity of vegetable intake was associated with the following perceptions of the food environment: "easy access to nutritionally balanced meals" (1.54 [1.15,2.06]; men), and "no inconvenience in daily shopping" (1.55 [1.12,2.15]; women), and health literacy: "information transfer" (1.30 [1.10,1.54]; men), and "self-determination" (1.67 [1.38,2.02]; women)).Conclusion　To achieve a balanced diet and increased vegetable intake in a population, it is necessary to promote both the acquisition of a higher level of "self-determination" (rather than "information gathering") in health literacy and the creation of a heathy food environment.

Gap Junction-Mediated Transport of Metabolites Between Stem Cells and Vascular Endothelial Cells.

We have previously demonstrated that small molecular transfer, such as glucose, between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and vascular endothelial cells via gap junctions constitutes an important mechanism of stem cell therapy. Cell metabolites are high-potential small-molecule candidates that can be transferred to small molecules between stem cells and vascular endothelial cells. Here, we investigated the differences in metabolite levels between stem cells (HSCs and MSCs), vascular endothelial cells, and the levels of circulating non-hematopoietic white blood cells (WBCs). The results showed remarkable differences in metabolite concentrations between cells. Significantly higher concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), total adenylate or guanylate levels, glycolytic intermediates, and amino acids were found in HSCs compared with vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the metabolism of MSCs and vascular endothelial cells. From the results of this study, it became clear that HSCs and MSCs differ in their metabolites. That is, metabolites that transfer between stem cells and vascular endothelial cells differ between HSCs and MSCs. HSCs may donate various metabolites, several glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites, and amino acids to damaged vascular endothelial cells as energy sources and activate the energy metabolism of vascular endothelial cells. In contrast, MSCs and vascular endothelial cells regulate each other under normal conditions. As the existing MSCs cannot ameliorate the dysregulation during insult, exogenous MSCs administered by cell therapy may help restore normal metabolic function in the vascular endothelial cells by taking up excess energy sources from the lumens of blood vessels. Results of this study suggested that the appropriate timing of cell therapy is different between HSCs and MSCs.

Association of healthy eating literacy and resident status with energy, nutrients, and food consumption among lean and normal-weight female university students.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study aimed to describe the association of healthy eating literacy (HEL) with energy, nutrients, and food consumption in young women who had normal and lean weight at a Japanese university, considering their resident status. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the Ochanomizu Health Study were used in this study. Participants answered a self-administered, two-part, anonymous survey in 2018 and 2019. A total of 203 female undergraduate students with lean and normal body mass index (BMI) were included in the analysis. Single and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of HEL and resident status with healthy food consumption, such as vegetables, fish, and shellfish. The dependent variables were HEL and resident status, and the covariates were age, BMI, and the total metabolic equivalents. RESULTS: The median (25th and 75th percentiles) age, BMI, and total HEL score were 20 (19, 21) years, 20.2 (18.9, 21.3) kg/m 2, and 18 (16, 20), respectively. Resident status and HEL were independently associated with vegetables, fish, and shellfish intake. Participants who had higher total HEL scores and lived in their family home consumed significantly more vegetables (ß = 0.17 and -0.34, p < 0.05) and fish and shellfish (ß = 0.24, -0.28, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides an insight into the association between HEL and dietary consumption in young women with normal and lean BMI.

The Joint Association of Daily Rest Periods and Sleep Duration with Worker Health and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey of Japanese Daytime Workers.

A daily rest period (DRP) is a daily inter-work interval that contains sleep opportunity. This study investigates the joint association of DRP and sleep duration with worker health and productivity. A total of 13,306 Japanese daytime workers participated in this web-based cross-sectional survey. Participants reported on their DRPs and sleep duration; moreover, sleep difficulties, mental health, and presenteeism were assessed by the standardized questionnaires. The participants were divided into 10 groups based on their DRPs and sleep duration. Logistic regression analyses showed that the combination of quick return (QR: DRP of <11 h) and short sleep duration (<6 h) was found to be significantly associated with sleep difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 4.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.83-7.01), poor mental health (OR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.79-5.15), and presenteeism (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.47-3.77) compared with the reference group (the combination of adequate DRP [15 h] and a normal sleep duration [≥6 h]). The combination of QR and normal sleep duration or adequate DRP and short sleep duration was significantly associated with high ORs for the outcomes. QR, short sleep duration, or both negatively affect worker health and productivity.

[Management of healthy food environment improvement through restaurants and other settings by prefectures and cities of cabinet order].

Objectives　In Japanese nutrition policy, emphasis is placed on healthy food environment improvement through restaurants and other settings by prefectures and cities of cabinet order (cities). This study aimed to clarify the actual status of management implementation by prefectures and cities.Methods　A mail survey of 47 prefectures and 106 cities throughout Japan was conducted in October 2020. Management implementation, including the existence of a healthy food environment improvement system (system) for restaurants and other settings, was confirmed. Local governments that had implemented the system were asked about the scope, dissemination efforts, process evaluation, and improvement of the system.Results　Of the local governments that responded, 39/42 prefectures (92.9%) and 57/82 cities (69.5%) implementing the system were included in the study. A total of 84.6% of prefectures and 14.0% of cities assessed the nutrient intake of local residents within the past five years. The median number of dietitians in the main office of the department in charge of healthy food environment improvement was two in both prefectures and cities. A target for healthy food environment improvement was set by 69.2% of prefectures and 54.4% of cities. The scope of the system was restaurant meals for 94.9% of prefectures and 100.0% of cities as well as ready-made meals for 87.2% of prefectures and 93.0% of cities. A total of 69.2% of prefectures and 66.7% of cities collaborated internally or with other local governments, while 15.4% of prefectures and 15.8% of cities entrusted system dissemination to external organizations. A total of 87.2% of prefectures and 89.5% of cities assessed the number of registered stores/companies, while 17.6% of prefectures and 21.6% of cities assessed the number of restaurants and other settings in the entire jurisdiction. A total of 33.3% of prefectures and 40.4% of cities established a renewal system, while 71.8% of prefectures and 33.3% of cities improved the system.Conclusion　Although underreporting due to the COVID-19 pandemic is possible, in local governments that had implemented the system, few cities assessed nutrient intake, and approximately 50-70% of prefectures and cities set targets for healthy food environment improvement. While approximately 90% of each local government assessed the number of registered stores/companies, those that assessed the number of stores/companies in the entire jurisdiction as a population size were approximately 20%. Approximately 30-40% of each local government has established a renewal system.

Conversation time and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional survey of Japanese employees.

OBJECTIVE: During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social isolation and impaired social interaction could be the factors that cause mental health problems. This study investigated the association between conversation time in daily life and mental health among Japanese employees. METHODS: In August 2021, a web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1000 Japanese employees. Weekly conversation time was assessed in four domains (family members, friends, someone in the workplace, and others), and mental health was assessed using the Japanese version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6 scale). Weekly total conversation time was calculated, and participants were assigned to one of the four conversation time categories based on quantile values to investigate the associations with poor mental health (K6 ≥ 13). RESULTS: The logistic regression analyses revealed that participants with short conversation times (<3.5 h per week) had poorer mental health compared to those with long conversation times (> 21.0 h per week), even after adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.48 [95% CI 1.31-4.71]). For the exploratory analyses of conversation time for each domain, the associations of short conversation time in the workplace with poor mental health was most robust (OR =2.02 [95% CI 1.13-3.63]). CONCLUSIONS: Japanese employees with conversation time of <3.5 h per week (i.e., 30 min per day) had poor mental health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have largely limited opportunities to have conversations with others, but a certain level of conversation time might be required to maintain mental health.

The relationship between traditional and common Japanese childhood education and adulthood towards avoiding food waste behaviors.

Japanese parents and educators teach children to refrain from leaving food in their plates. Their teachings have direct (advising children to refrain from leaving food uneaten) and indirect (meal-related rituals before and after mealtimes) influence in enhancing gratitude for food in daily life. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine 1) the interaction of direct and indirect approaches to avoiding food waste behaviors and 2) the mediation of gratitude for food by preventing such behaviors. Overall, 400 Japanese adults (female: n = 200) responded to a self-administrated anonymous questionnaire survey measuring: the present food waste avoiding behaviors; current gratitude for food; direct and indirect childhood approaches for avoiding food waste behaviors. Participants' mean (standard deviation) age and body mass index were 40.0 (11.6) and 21.9 (3.9), respectively. A significant main effect of the indirect approach and the interaction of direct and indirect approaches were obtained by adjusting the participants' background. Moreover, through mediation analyses with percentile-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals, it was observed that gratitude for food mediated the association between direct and indirect childhood approaches and avoiding food waste behaviors. Despite no information on the current meal-related rituals of the respondents, this study suggests the potential of these approaches in enhancing gratitude for food as a new approach to reduce food waste worldwide.

Restaurant managers' readiness to maintain people's healthy weight and minimise food waste in Japan.

BACKGROUND: People who consume high amounts of ready-to-eat meals have a higher body mass index than those who do not. However, if customers adhere to eating proper amounts without restaurants reducing the portions, plate waste may occur. It is therefore incumbent upon restaurants to serve suitable meal portions to customers in the interests of their health and the environment. This study examined whether restaurants support Japan's national goals of minimising food loss and waste and maintaining healthy body weight. Additionally, the characteristics of restaurant managers who display a willingness to meet these goals, were identified. METHODS: An internet-based nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among restaurant managers in Japan in May 2019. The main outcome measured was readiness to take action toward maintaining healthy weight and minimising food loss and waste. Chi-square tests were performed to examine the characteristics of three groups, divided on the basis of their readiness to take action toward achieving these two goals. The group that displayed a higher readiness toward attaining both goals was examined using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 412 restaurant managers who responded, 387 (93.9%) were analysed. Few managers reported taking action toward maintaining healthy weight (n = 13, 3.4%) and minimising food loss and waste (n = 45, 11.6%). Two variables, 'medium- or big-sized company' and 'referring to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for running their business', were related to both higher readiness for maintaining healthy weight and minimising food loss and waste (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-4.62; OR = 4.06, CI: 2.39-6.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing recognition of the Sustainable Development Goals among restaurant managers is needed to increase their cooperation toward meeting Japan's national goals.

Increased RNA Transcription of Energy Source Transporters in Circulating White Blood Cells of Aged Mice.

Circulating white blood cells (WBC) contribute toward maintenance of cerebral metabolism and brain function. Recently, we showed that during aging, transcription of metabolism related genes, including energy source transports, in the brain significantly decreased at the hippocampus resulting in impaired neurological functions. In this article, we investigated the changes in RNA transcription of metabolism related genes (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], Glut3, monocarboxylate transporter 4 [MCT4], hypoxia inducible factor 1-α [Hif1-α], prolyl hydroxylase 3 [PHD3] and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 [PDK1]) in circulating WBC and correlated these with brain function in mice. Contrary to our expectations, most of these metabolism related genes in circulating WBC significantly increased in aged mice, and correlation between their increased RNA transcription and impaired neurological functions was observed. Bone marrow mononuclear transplantation into aged mice decreased metabolism related genes in WBC with accelerated neurogenesis in the hippocampus. In vitro analysis revealed that cell-cell interaction between WBC and endothelial cells via gap junction is impaired with aging, and blockade of the interaction increased their transcription in WBC. Our findings indicate that gross analysis of RNA transcription of metabolism related genes in circulating WBC has the potential to provide significant information relating to impaired cell-cell interaction between WBC and endothelial cells of aged mice. Additionally, this can serve as a tool to evaluate the change of the cell-cell interaction caused by various treatments or diseases.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food and drink consumption and related factors: A scoping review.

Background: The lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused several lifestyle changes. Aim: This scoping review aimed to report the present status of studies conducted on changes and factors related to food and drink consumption worldwide. Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed and EBSCO between August 6 and August 22, 2020 using the following criteria: (1) studies reporting changes in the current individual consumption of specific foods and snacks compared to that before the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) participants aged 18 years or older and without any diagnosable disease; and (3) articles that are peer-reviewed publications available in English. Studies were excluded if they involved an intervention related to diet or investigated the change in COVID-19 incidence. Results: Twelve articles were included in this review. The included studies revealed that there were various changes in food and drink consumption, such as the frequency and amount of consumption of snacks (n = 9), alcohol (n = 7), and vegetables and fruits (n = 5). These changes showed both increasing and decreasing trends. Of the 12 studies, 10 reported factors related to dietary changes, such as age, body mass index, psychological conditions, and residence; however, most of the results regarding these factors were inconsistent. Conclusions: Future studies should investigate long-term dietary changes and examine the factors that influence these changes to determine the pandemic's long-term impact.

Mindful Eating Proficiency and Healthy Eating Literacy among Japanese Mothers: Associations with Their Own and Their Children's Eating Behavior.

Mindfulness is a process of focusing one's attention on the present moment. Applying this concept to eating (i.e., mindful eating (ME)) is associated with regulated eating behaviors, particularly in people with obesity and who are overweight. Sustaining healthy eating habits requires both healthy eating literacy (HEL) and proficiency in ME. However, ME proficiency in Japanese people has not been sufficiently investigated. In this paper, we conduct a survey of mothers with 4- to 5-year-old children in Aomori City, Japan, to investigate their ME proficiency and HEL level and eating behavior and self-reported body mass index in both mothers and their children from August to September 2019. This study is the first to describe ME proficiency in Japanese mothers. The study sample includes 128 participants from 18 nursery schools. ME proficiency in mothers was positively correlated with both their own and their children's eating behaviors, thereby suggesting a potential relationship, while strong relationships were not observed between the HEL level and eating behaviors of mothers and children. Improving ME skills, rather than HEL, may be an effective way to sustain healthier eating behaviors in mothers and their children. The level of evidence was Level V: Opinions of respected authorities based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.

Japanese newspaper advertisements for dietary supplements before and after COVID-19: a content analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Public health institutions have alerted consumers about advertising for dietary supplements with false claims of preventing or treating COVID-19. We quantitatively and qualitatively examined newspaper advertisements for dietary supplements before and after the COVID-19 spread. DESIGN: Content analysis. PARTICIPANTS: We analysed advertisements for dietary supplements in two major Japanese newspapers in February-July 2019 and February-July 2020. Our analysis covered 2167 advertisements. RESULTS: The number of advertisements for dietary supplements that claimed to be effective in infection prevention (p=0.009) and improving joint (p=0.002) and digestive functions (p=0.002) significantly increased after the spread of COVID-19 compared with before. Dietary supplements that claimed to be effective in preventing infection were advertised in combination with recommendations for gargling and handwashing. Such terms as 'defence' and 'prevent' were used to promote the preventive effect. CONCLUSIONS: False and misleading claims in advertising for dietary supplements may result in consumer harm, such as overdosing and failure to take preventive behaviour. While the pandemic continues, there will be an increasing need for disseminating accessible information about the appropriate use of dietary supplements, consumer education and warnings to manufacturers.