Increase in the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa in Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic

Toho University

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The short-dashed line indicates the period of school closure, March 2020. The dashed line shows the counterfactual trend after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Credit: Yoshifumi Fukuya

A research group led by Professor Takahiro Nemoto from the Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and the Department of Social Implementation Psychiatry at the Toho University Faculty of Medicine analyzed large-scale clinical data to examine the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the incidence of anorexia nervosa (ICD-10 classification: F50.0) in young patients in Japan. Their study revealed that the number of patients with anorexia nervosa increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This research was published in the international academic journal Medicina (Lithuania) on March 3, 2025.

 

Key Findings
 

• While reports from Western countries have indicated an increase in the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa after the COVID-19 pandemic, no clear evidence has been established for Japan or other Asian regions.
• This study found that before the pandemic, the number of young patients with anorexia nervosa was gradually decreasing over time. However, after the onset of the pandemic, this trend reversed. Notably, this increase was more pronounced in men and younger age groups.
• Similar findings have been reported in Western countries, suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lifestyle change, which is a common global phenomena beyond social and cultural differences, are strongly associated with the onset of anorexia nervosa. Additionally, factors such as an individual’s psychological states and relationships with family and friends have been suggested as potential risk factors.
• Based on these findings, it is crucial to implement interventions tailored to mitigate these risk factors during future infectious disease outbreaks and major disasters to prevent the onset of anorexia nervosa, which can lead to significant social consequences.

 

Journal
Medicina (Lithuania) (March 3, 2025)

Title:
Association of COVID-19 Pandemic with Newly Diagnosed Anorexia Nervosa Among Children and Adolescents in Japan

Authors:
Yoshifumi Fukuya, Keitaro Miyamura, Tomoyuki Funatogawa, Taiju Yamaguchi, Naoyuki Katagiri, and Takahiro Nemoto* (*corresponding author)

DOI:
10.3390/medicina61030445

 

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Journal

Medicina

DOI

10.3390/medicina61030445 

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Association of COVID-19 Pandemic with Newly Diagnosed Anorexia Nervosa Among Children and Adolescents in Japan

Article Publication Date

23-Mar-2025

COI Statement

Takahiro Nemoto belongs to the Department of Psychiatry and Implementation Science, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, and received funds from Nippon Life Insurance Company. Other authors have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper.

 

Factors involved in human healthy aging: insights from longevity individuals

Higher Education Press

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A comprehensive overview of the multifactorial determinants of human longevity.

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Credit: Fan-Qian Yin, Fu-Hui Xiao, Qing-Peng Kong

Human healthy aging and longevity are complex phenomena influenced by a dynamic interplay of genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, immune, and environmental factors. Long-lived individuals (LLIs), particularly centenarians, serve as valuable models for understanding these mechanisms due to their ability to delay or avoid age-related diseases. This overview synthesizes current insights into the multifaceted determinants of exceptional longevity, highlighting key findings from studies on LLIs across diverse populations.

LLIs, defined as individuals surviving beyond 90 years, exhibit distinct characteristics such as reduced morbidity, delayed onset of chronic diseases, and preserved physiological functions. They often cluster in “longevity blue zones” like Okinawa and Sardinia, where lifestyle and environmental factors interact with genetic predispositions. Gender differences are evident, with females comprising most centenarians, though male centenarians tend to have fewer age-related diseases. LLIs can be categorized into “escapers,” “delayers,” and “survivors” based on disease history, reflecting heterogeneous pathways to longevity.

Genetic factors contribute significantly to longevity, with familial clustering indicating a heritable component. Key nuclear genomic variants include APOE ε2 (protective against cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s), FOXO3A (linked to oxidative stress resistance and DNA repair), and SIRT6 (involved in genome maintenance). Mitochondrial haplogroups like J and D are associated with reduced oxidative stress, while telomere maintenance genes (hTERT, TERC) ensure chromosome stability. However, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) highlight APOE and FOXO3A as the most consistently linked genes across populations, underscoring their pivotal roles.

Epigenetic mechanisms bridge genetics and environment. DNA methylation patterns in LLIs show delayed age-related methylation loss, particularly in heterochromatin regions, which may stabilize genome integrity. Noncoding RNAs, such as miR-363* and lncRNAs THBS1-IT1/AS1, regulate cellular senescence and gene expression, contributing to healthy aging. These epigenetic signatures correlate with younger biological age and reduced disease risk in LLIs and their offspring.

Metabolic profiles in LLIs are characterized by favorable lipid metabolism (low LDL cholesterol, high HDL), reduced insulin resistance, and enhanced antioxidant capacity. Endocrine factors like low thyroid hormone levels and preserved sex hormones (estradiol in females, testosterone in males) play protective roles. Caloric restriction (CR), a well-established longevity intervention in model organisms, mimics metabolic states in LLIs, improving glucose tolerance and reducing inflammation. CR mimetics, such as metformin and resveratrol, show promise in translating these benefits to humans without dietary restriction.

Immune system alterations in LLIs include reduced chronic inflammation (“inflammaging”) and preserved immune cell function. Centenarians exhibit lower IL-6 levels, higher TGF-β and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory cytokines), and maintained T-cell proliferation and natural killer cell activity. The balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) shifts toward anti-inflammatory states, contributing to disease resistance.

Environmental and lifestyle factors are equally critical. Gut microbiota in LLIs features increased diversity and enrichment of health-promoting taxa like Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium, which enhance gut barrier function and produce anti-aging metabolites. Plant-based diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, and nuts correlate with lower risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Regular physical activity, particularly endurance and strength training, improves metabolic health and extends lifespan through mechanisms like mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced oxidative stress. Other key lifestyle factors include non-smoking, moderate alcohol intake, adequate sleep, and stress management, which collectively reduce mortality risk.

Socioeconomic and medical advancements, such as improved sanitation, vaccination, and healthcare, have significantly increased average life expectancy, though genetic and epigenetic factors determine exceptional longevity. Future research leveraging multi-omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) on large LLI cohorts will deepen understanding of interactive mechanisms. Functional studies in model organisms and clinical trials of longevity-promoting interventions (e.g., probiotics, CR mimetics) are essential to translate findings into therapeutic strategies.

In summary, human longevity emerges from a synergistic interplay of genetic resilience, epigenetic stability, metabolic adaptability, immune balance, and healthy lifestyles. LLIs exemplify how these factors converge to delay aging and disease, offering actionable insights for promoting healthspan. As global aging populations grow, unraveling these mechanisms holds promise for developing personalized interventions to extend both lifespan and quality of life.

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Journal

Frontiers of Medicine

DOI

10.1007/s11684-024-1120-4 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Factors involved in human healthy aging: insights from longevity individuals

 

Scientists say microplastics are ‘silently spreading from soil to salad to humans’

Murdoch University

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PhD candidate Joseph Doctor in the lab

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Credit: Murdoch University

A review from Murdoch University has stressed that agricultural soils now hold around 23 times more microplastics than oceans.  

Amongst the revelations in the comprehensive evaluation is that plastics in soil may be exposed to up to 10,000 chemical additives, most of which are unregulated in agriculture.  

“These microplastics are turning food-producing land into a plastic sink,” said PhD candidate Joseph Boctor, who led the study. 

Both microplastics and nanoplastics have now been found in lettuce, wheat and carrot crops. This happens through various means, from plastic mulching, fertilisers and even through being dropped by clouds.   

This is particularly concerning when combined with findings of these plastics in the human lungs, brain, heart, blood, and even placenta.   

“And BPA-free does not equal risk free,” Mr Boctor said.  

“Replacement chemicals like BPF and BPS show comparable or greater endocrine-disrupting activity.”  

The challenge is that regulations are slower than science, and industry is faster than both. 

In addition to this, assessing additive toxicity is often overlooked, Mr Boctor said, due to the lack of transparency in the plastic industry and large number of additives produced.  

“This makes the plastic crisis unchecked, and human health exposed,” he said. 

“This review tries to bring this creeping danger under the radar and shine a flashlight on regulators.”  

Alongside endocrine disruptors, the review pinpointed other additives in soil such as Phthalates (linked to reproductive issues), and PBDEs (neurotoxic flame retardants).  

These additives have been linked with neurodegenerative disease, increased risks of stroke and heart attack and early death.  

“These are not distant possibilities – they are unfolding within biological systems – silently and systematically,” Mr Boctor said.  

To address this crisis, Mr Boctor is working alongside his colleagues at the Bioplastics Innovation Hub to create a type of plastic that is not only safe, but also decomposes in soil, land and water, leaving behind no legacy.  

One innovation currently under development is the Smart Sprays Project - which will demonstrate and test a non-toxic, bioplastic-based spray for soil which forms a water barrier to harvest rainfall and reduce evaporation that can be easily applied with existing farm equipment. 

The hope is that through the Hub's work, they will introduce a green plastic to the market that will minimise and eventually negate the need for non-sustainable plastic production worldwide. 

“This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated scientific and regulatory efforts,” Joseph said.  

“Regulators, scientists and industry must collaborate to close the loopholes before plastic pollution further entrenches itself in the global food chain.”  

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Journal

Environmental Sciences Europe

DOI

10.1186/s12302-025-01104-x 

Method of Research

Literature review

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Microplastics and nanoplastics: fate, transport, and governance from agricultural soil to food webs and humans

Article Publication Date

22-May-2025

 

Ateneo study highlights workforce hurdles to Universal Health Care in the Philippines

Ateneo de Manila University

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Despite being a top exporter of healthcare professionals, the Philippines faces a chronic shortage of nurses and physicians. Also, many health graduates in the country are unprepared for real-world public health work. Government primary care facilities and hospitals struggle to hire sufficient staff due to budget and policy barriers, while private hospitals struggle to keep their staff due to fiscal constraints.

These findings, published recently in the international journal Human Resources for Health by Ateneo de Manila University researchers, are major hurdles to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.

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Credit: Aaron R. Vicencio, ADMU

Despite being a top exporter of healthcare professionals, the Philippines faces a chronic shortage of nurses and physicians. Also, many health graduates in the country are unprepared for real-world public health work. Government primary care facilities and hospitals struggle to hire sufficient staff due to budget and policy barriers, while private hospitals struggle to keep their staff due to fiscal constraints.

These findings, published recently in the international journal Human Resources for Health by Ateneo de Manila University researchers, are major hurdles to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the country.

The study found that many Filipino doctors and nurses are inadequately prepared for UHC due to hospital-focused education that lacks training in public health and community-based care. Graduates often enter the workforce without sufficient understanding of UHC principles, and there are limited onboarding programs to bridge this gap. At the same time, low salaries, job insecurity, and limited career growth drive many health professionals to seek better opportunities abroad. These combined issues in education and compensation are major obstacles to building a strong and sustainable health workforce essential for UHC implementation.

“The nurses we lost are our best nurses. It is painful that the trained ones are the ones who leave. The ones left with us are either the new ones or are very old, because their salary (overseas) is five times what we pay here,” confided the administrator of a public tertiary facility in an urban area.

And even when healthcare professionals choose to stay in the country, they find themselves beset by restrictive government hiring policies that create bottlenecks in the workforce: 

“The Department of Health has many (requirements) that are difficult to provide. Especially for manpower. We need a records officer, Information Technology administrator, but what happens is the nurse is the administrator, she is also in the records. So, the nurse is also the IT that should be designated just to meet the criteria,” lamented a public primary care provider from an urban area.

Tenuous execution of health workforce provisions in the UHC Law

The signing of Republic Act No. 11223 (also known as the Philippine Universal Health Care Act) in February 2019 was a landmark move aimed at ensuring that all Filipinos, regardless of income or geographic location, have access to quality and affordable health services without financial difficulties. The law mandates automatic enrollment of all citizens into the National Health Insurance Program and expands the role of local government units (LGUs) in managing health service delivery. Implementation began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, which both highlighted the urgency of health system reform and strained the country's already fragile health infrastructure. 

However, despite the law’s passage, the researchers found that its implementation has been greatly hindered by problems with workforce readiness, service delivery capacity, and issues in the coordination between national and local health systems.

According to their research, the Philippines’ physician-to-population ratio stands at 7.92 per 10,000 people, falling short of the international minimum standard of 10 per 10,000. Additionally, the country faces a shortage of at least 127,000 nurses, with most shortages concentrated in the private sector. The problem is exacerbated by the “brain drain” phenomenon, which sees many healthcare workers seeking better pay and working conditions abroad. And since current health and medical education often neglects community health and UHC principles, new graduates are ill-prepared for deployment to underserved areas.

Recommendations for health workforce recruitment, retention

To address these challenges, the researchers recommend (1) greater integration between academic institutions and health facilities to ensure placement for graduates covered by return service agreements and minimizing workforce shortages in health facilities; (2) offering educational incentives for dependents and postgraduate training for health workers with return service agreements; (3) more equitable distribution of specialist training opportunities for physicians; (4) revisiting medical and health education curricula; (5) higher education and civil service reforms; (6) revisiting some provisions of the Local Government Code; (7) local governments to develop long-term plans to recruit and retain health workers; (8) revisiting health workforce training programs and their costs; (9) UHC training for current health workforce and new hires; and (10) more equitable bilateral labor agreements between health workforce source and destination countries. 

These recommendations aim to mitigate workforce shortages and help ensure a more equitable healthcare system under the UHC Law. Moreover, the Ateneo study paints a sobering picture of the Philippine health system’s current capacity to deliver on its UHC promise. Urgent and sustained investments in the local health workforce are needed to ensure that universal Philippine healthcare is more than just a legal aspiration.

SOURCE:
https://archium.ateneo.edu/asmph-pubs/314/ 

For interview requests and other inquiries, please email media.research@ateneo.edu. Visit archium.ateneo.edu for more information about our latest research and innovations.

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Journal

Human Resources for Health

DOI

10.1186/s12960-025-00988-3 

Method of Research

Survey

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Health workforce issues and recommended practices in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines: a qualitative study

Article Publication Date

23-MAY-2025

COI Statement

VCFP, AMLA, and MMD have received grants from Sanofi Consumer Healthcare to conduct research on self-care. They have also received grants from the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation to write a proposal to assess the effectiveness of benefit packages of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. They have also received writing grants from the Zuellig Family Foundation to write manuscripts on health systems strengthening.

 

Microwave technologies give hummus longer shelf life, eliminate preservatives

Washington State University

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Former visiting researcher Burcu Tenderis works on the recipe for lentil hummusin a Washington State University lab.

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Credit: Photo courtesy of Burcu Tenderis.

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University scientists are using microwave technology to extend the shelf life of hummus while eliminating the need for chemical preservatives, as demonstrated in a recent Journal of Food Process Engineering paper.

The Middle Eastern dip, which is growing in popularity around the world, was associated with 20 illness outbreaks in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018 that resulted in 65 hospitalizations and five deaths. Because of those outbreaks, many commercial hummus makers use chemical preservatives to extend shelf life and prevent the development of pathogens.

Now, WSU researchers, led by Shyam Sablani, a professor and corresponding author on the paper, are using technology to make the food more shelf stable. One process, microwave-assisted pasteurization, is a milder treatment that produces better-tasting hummus and keeps it fresh for up to 30 days in a refrigerator if unopened. The other process, microwave-assisted sterilization, is harsher. It reduces flavor intensity but ensures hummus can be stored at room temperature for two years if unopened.

The two technologies, developed by Juming Tang and his team at WSU, use the same microwaves to produce high-quality food with extended shelf lives in different storage conditions. The technology allows for predictable and rapid heating of pre-packaged food that eliminates food pathogens and replaces traditional industrial methods such as canning.

“After testing for storage, quality, texture, color, and vitamin retention, both processes held up quite well,” said Sablani, who is in WSU’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “I tried it several times and thought it tasted very good.”

Instead of using chickpeas, the most common primary ingredient, Sablani and his team made lentil-based hummus for their research. It’s unusual, but Sablani said visiting researcher Burcu Tenderis, the paper’s lead author, had heard of communities in her native Turkey that used lentils.

Lentils are cheaper and more readily available, especially in the U.S. Tenderis conducted many different trials to create a lentil hummus that worked, said Sablani, who is currently in Thailand as a Fulbright Scholar.

“Water absorption abilities and the chemical makeup of the two legumes are quite different,” he said. “I’m from India and have often made chickpea hummus at home. It never occurred to me or anyone else in our lab to use lentils. For me, it wasn’t too different, and I really enjoyed it.”

The researchers also enriched the hummus with vitamin C, documenting how much remained after the microwave treatments.

“Lentils and other grains, along with most vegetables, are not rich in vitamin C,” Sablani said. “Vitamins are heat-sensitive, so you lose a significant amount of them while cooking. We measured how much remained after each process so we knew how much to enrich the product later.”

The microwave process retained 75% of the vitamin C, a good sign for the team.

The next step will hopefully be asking panels to evaluate responses to taste, smell, and other sensory attributes, Sablani said.

“This project was part of the Soil to Society program, which looks at how to get healthy, nutrient-rich grains into publicly available food,” he said. “That program provided the funds for this research, but now we are looking for industry partners to commercially produce the product. If that’s successful, then commercialization would follow, and consumers could see the end results.”

Though that could be several years away, Sablani is excited about the research’s prospects.

“It’s important to have safe, shelf-stable foods that provide a variety of healthy nutrients,” Sablani said.

Lentil hummus after undergoing the microwave sterilization (MATS) process. It was then subjected to other tests to see how long it was safe from pathogens. The process was found to keep the hummus safe for up to two years at room temperature if unopened.

Credit

Photo courtesy of Burcu Tenderis.

Trays of lentil hummus after undergoing the microwave pasteurization (MAPS) process. This process can keep the tasty dip safe for up to 30 days in a refrigerator if unopened.

Credit

Photo courtesy of Burcu Tenderis.

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Journal

Journal of Food Process Engineering

DOI

10.1111/jfpe.70104 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Development of Vitamin C-Enriched Lentil Hummus With Innovative Microwave Technologies