Changes in accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior from before to after COVID-19 outbreak in workers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced opportunities for engaging in physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB) among workers. However, most previous studies used self-reported assessments. This study aimed to examine the changes in accelerometer-measured PA and SB from before to after COVID-19 outbreak among Japanese workers. METHODS: This one-year longitudinal study used data from the annual health check-ups of workers who lived in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Baseline and follow-up data were collected from June to November, 2019 and June to November, 2020, respectively. Participants were asked to wear the accelerometer on their hip during awake hours for at least 10 days in both the surveys. Before the analysis, considering the difference in wearing time, time spent in PA and SB were converted to the percentage of wearing time. To investigate the changes in PA or SB from before to during COVID-19 outbreak, paired t-tests were performed. RESULTS: Of the 757 eligible participants, 536 were included in the analysis (70.8%). Participants' mean age was 53.3 years; 69.6% were female; and most were full-time employees. Time spent in PA decreased, regardless of weekdays or weekends, although changes on the weekends were not significant. Conversely, time spent in SB increased on both weekdays and weekends in 2020. These changes corresponded to approximately 10 minutes per day increase/decrease in PA/SB. CONCLUSION: Objectively measured PA decreased and SB increased by approximately 10 minutes per day after the COVID-19 outbreak among Japanese workers.

Association of 24-h movement behaviors with phase angle in community-dwelling older adults: a compositional data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Phase angle (PhA) is an indicator of cellular conditions. Recent studies have suggested that PhA supports healthy aging. Identifying modifiable lifestyle factors for PhA is important. The associations of PhA in 24-h movement behaviors, including physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep, have not been studied in older adults. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the cross-sectional associations between 24-h movement behaviors and PhA in community-dwelling older adults while appropriately considering the co-dependent nature of daily time use using compositional data analysis. METHODS: The participants were 113 healthy older adults. PhA was measured using a bioelectrical impedance device. Time spent in light-intensity PA (LPA), moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), and SB was measured using a tri-axial accelerometer. Sleep duration information was self-reported in a questionnaire. Compositional multiple linear regression and compositional isotemporal substitution were performed to examine the associations of 24-h movement behaviors with PhA and hypothetical time reallocation in movement behaviors with PhA, respectively. RESULTS: Even after adjusting for potential confounders, relative to other behaviors more time spent in MVPA was significantly associated with higher PhA (p < 0.001). The 30 min/day of time reallocation from the other behaviors (SB, LPA, and sleep) to MVPA was predicted to be 0.12 higher PhA (corresponding to 2.3% increase; 95% CI 0.01, 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that increasing or maintaining the daily time spent in MVPA is important for managing PhA in older adults, regardless of the other behaviors time consumed instead.

Rhodopsin-positive cell production by intravitreal injection of small molecule compounds in mouse models of retinal degeneration.

We aimed to verify whether the intravitreal injection of small molecule compounds alone can create photoreceptor cells in mouse models of retinal degeneration. Primary cultured mouse Müller cells were stimulated in vitro with combinations of candidate compounds and the rhodopsin expression was measured on day 7 using polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. We used 6-week-old N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated and 4-week-old rd10 mice as representative in vivo models of retinal degeneration. The optimal combination of compounds selected via in vitro screening was injected into the vitreous and the changes in rhodopsin expression were investigated on day 7 using polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. The origin of rhodopsin-positive cells was also analyzed via lineage tracing and the recovery of retinal function was assessed using electroretinography. The in vitro mRNA expression of rhodopsin in Müller cells increased 30-fold, and 25% of the Müller cells expressed rhodopsin protein 7 days after stimulation with a combination of 4 compounds: transforming growth factor-ß inhibitor, bone morphogenetic protein inhibitor, glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, and γ-secretase inhibitor. The in vivo rhodopsin mRNA expression and the number of rhodopsin-positive cells in the outer retina were significantly increased on day 7 after the intravitreal injection of these 4 compounds in both N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated and rd10 mice. Lineage tracing in td-Tomato mice treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea suggested that the rhodopsin-positive cells originated from endogenous Müller cells, accompanied with the recovery of the rhodopsin-derived scotopic function. It was suggested that rhodopsin-positive cells generated by compound stimulation contributes to the recovery of retinal function impaired by degeneration.

Acceptable walking and cycling distances and functional disability and mortality in older Japanese adults: An 8-year follow-up study.

We prospectively investigated the association between acceptable travel distances (i.e., walking and cycling) and the incidence of functional disability and mortality among older Japanese adults. A baseline survey was conducted in 2013 among 7618 individuals aged ≥65 years in Kasama City, Japan, and they were tracked through the city's database until 2021. Acceptable travel distances were assessed using a questionnaire. Outcomes (i.e., functional disability and mortality) were gathered as binary (incident or not) with survival time. A multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional-hazards model indicated that shorter acceptable walking and cycling distances were markedly linked with higher risks of functional disability and mortality. In conclusion, acceptable distances of ≤500 m for walking and ≤1 km for cycling were associated with higher risks of functional disability and mortality among older adults.

Impact of exercising alone and exercising with others on the risk of cognitive impairment among older Japanese adults.

PURPOSE: This longitudinal study investigates the influence of the stratified frequency of exercising alone and exercising with others on the prevention of cognitive impairment among older Japanese adults. METHODS: This four-year follow-up study targeted 4,358 individuals (mean age: 76.9 ± 5.6 years, female: 51.8%) who participated in an inventory mail survey in one region of Japan. The exercise forms surveyed involved the frequency of exercising alone and with others. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the nationally standardized dementia scale proposed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. Adjusted Cox proportional-hazard models were used to examine the association between the exercise forms and the development of cognitive impairment, and calculate population-attributable fractions (PAFs). RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of cognitive impairment throughout the study was 7.7%. Participants who exercised ≥ 2 times/week alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61-0.998) had a lower risk of developing cognitive impairment than those who did not exercise alone. Similarly, participants who exercised ≥ 2 times/week with others (HR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.47-0.94) showed a lower risk of developing cognitive impairment than those who did not exercise with others. The scenarios involving PAFs demonstrated that, if all participants exercised alone or with others ≥ 2 times/week, the risk of cognitive impairment decreased by 15.1% and 29.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both forms of exercise reduced the development of cognitive impairment, with exercising with others potentially being highly effective in preventing cognitive impairment.

Frail Older Adults without Occupational Dysfunction Maintain Good Subjective Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to clarify the relationship between frailty/occupational dysfunction (OD), both with and without, and subjective well-being among community-dwelling older adults. A total of 2308 (average age: 72.2 ± 5.1, female: 47.0%) independently living older adults in Kasama City, Japan, completed a self-administered questionnaire in November 2019. OD, frailty, and subjective well-being were assessed. Participants were classified into six groups: robust and healthy occupational function (HOF), robust and OD, pre-frail and HOF, pre-frail and OD, frail and HOF, and frail and OD. To examine the relationship between frailty/OD and subjective well-being, we performed an analysis of variance with subjective well-being as the dependent variable and with and without frailty/OD (six groups) as the independent variables. The results showed a significant association between with and without frailty/OD and subjective well-being in community-dwelling older adults. The subjective well-being of the pre-frail and HOF group was significantly better than that of the robust and OD group. Furthermore, the subjective well-being of the frail and HOF group was significantly better than that of the pre-frail and OD group. These results can be used to develop a new support method for frailty.

The association of the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence with physical and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

AIM: To investigate the association of the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence with physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This study used the data of 565 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years (mean age: 74.3 ± 5.2 years) from the Kasama Health Checkup for Longevity survey in Japan. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to comprehensively evaluate the higher-level functional capacity and subscale functional capacity: technology usage, information practice, life management and social engagement. Physical functions were assessed using grip strength, the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, 5-m habitual walking test, one-leg standing test and hand working test with a pegboard. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Five-Cog test consisting of attention, memory ability, visuospatial function, language ability and reasoning ability. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between total Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence score and physical and cognitive functions. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, the total Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence score was favorably associated with static balance ability (ß = 0.09; B = 0.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.02), lower limb strength (ß = -0.19; B = -0.29; 95% confidence interval: -0.41 to -0.16), walking ability (ß = -0.15; B = -0.67; 95% confidence interval: -1.05 to -0.30), hand dexterity (ß = -0.13; B = -0.08; 95% confidence interval: -0.14 to -0.03) and overall cognitive function (ß = 0.28; B = 0.04; 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical and cognitive functions are important for maintaining higher-level functional capacity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 753-758.

Successful treatment with lenvatinib in a patient with thymic carcinoma presenting with cardiac tamponade: a case report and review of literature.

Thymic carcinoma (TC) presenting with cardiac tamponade has a poor prognosis because of the difficulty in controlling malignant pericardial effusion using conventional chemotherapy. Lenvatinib, a multitargeted kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and other kinases, has recently been proven effective against TC. As the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling is effective in malignant pericardial effusion, lenvatinib may also be effective in TC presenting with cardiac tamponade. However, no reports have shown that lenvatinib is effective in such cases. Herein, we present a case of successful treatment with lenvatinib in a patient with TC presenting with cardiac tamponade. The present case suggests that lenvatinib should be considered an effective treatment option for such cases.

Physical Activity Intensity and Suspected Dementia in Older Japanese Adults: A Dose-Response Analysis Based on an 8-Year Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (PA) may reduce the risk of dementia; however, few studies have examined the effects of PA intensity on dementia risk. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine the dose-response relationship of PA intensity with the incidence of suspected dementia in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: We conducted a baseline mail survey with an 8-year follow-up of 3,722 older adults in Japan. We assessed PA levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form and calculated the amount of time per week spent performing moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA). Information regarding suspected dementia was obtained from the city database during the follow-up period. Cox proportional-hazard models with age as time scale, and delayed entry and restricted cubic spline regression as variables were used to estimate risk of developing suspected dementia, excluding cases occurring < 1 year after baseline evaluation. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of suspected dementia during the follow-up period was 12.7%. Compared with those who did not practice moderate-intensity PA (MPA), those who practiced≥300 min (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.56-0.95) of MPA showed a lower risk of developing suspected dementia. Furthermore, when the dose-response relationship was examined, the hazard of developing suspected dementia decreased almost linearly with MPA. A significantly lower hazard was observed from 815 minutes/week. There was no significant association between VPA and suspected dementia. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that MPA is often practiced in older adults and this PA intensity has a sufficiently favorable effect on dementia prevention.

Association of domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior with cardiometabolic health among office workers.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have reported opposite effects of occupational or non-occupational physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) on health outcomes. However, no study has investigated the relationship between domain-specific movement behaviors and cardiometabolic health (CMH) among office workers, considering the compositional nature of time-use data. We investigated the associations of accelerometer-measured PA and SB for each domain (working time, non-working time on workday, and non-workday) with CMH indicators among office workers, using compositional data analysis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1258 Japanese office workers. The time spent on SB, light-intensity PA (LPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) were assessed using an accelerometer. CMH indicators were retrieved from the annual health check-up data. RESULTS: Compositional multiple linear regression indicated that PA and SB during non-working time on workdays, but not working time or non-workdays, were significantly associated with CMH. In particular, during non-working time, time reallocations from SB to LPA and from SB to MVPA were associated with favorable changes in cardiometabolic risk score and lipid metabolism, respectively. Paradoxically, a greater proportion of LPA during non-working time was associated with favorable diastolic blood pressure (ß = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02, 3.19), whereas occupational LPA was detrimental (ß = -2.48; 95% CI = -4.87, -0.09). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that reducing SB and increasing PA during non-working time on workdays may be effective for managing CMH among office workers. Future longitudinal studies using compositional data analysis are required to confirm our results.

Electrophilic Spirocyclization of a 2-Biphenylacetylene via Conformational Fixing within a Hollow-Cage Host.

A 2-biphenylacetylene was fixed into a specific conformation within the confined cavity of a hollow cage, where it underwent a regioselective spirocyclization in the presence of an electrophile. A 5-endo-dig cyclization proceeded selectively in the cage, which stands in sharp contrast to the 6-endo-dig cyclization that normally occurs in common organic media. The folded conformation adopted by the substrate within the cage was examined by 1 H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Pre-frailty associated with traffic crashes in Japanese community-dwelling older drivers.

Objectives: Frailty might be useful to identify older drivers who are at risk for traffic crashes. We aim to examine the association between pre-frailty/frailty defined by the Kihon Checklist (KCL) and the involvement of traffic crashes and clarify whether some domains of the KCL are associated with traffic crashes.Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 2,208 Japanese community-dwelling older drivers aged ≥ 65 years in Kasama City, who participated in our postal survey in November 2019. A self-reported history of traffic crashes was used to divide participants into non-crash-involved and crash-involved groups.Results: A total of 192 (8.7%) participants had been involved in traffic crashes in the past year. The crash-involved group was found to have gained more body mass index, driven more frequently, and scored higher on the total KCL score than the non-crash-involved group (all P < .05). Binary logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for age, sex, education, driving frequency, and driving distance, pre-frailty (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10-2.10) was more significantly associated with traffic crashes as compared to robustness. Those who had impairment in the oral domain (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.09-2.27) and memory domain (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.01-1.90) were also more likely to be involved in traffic crashes.Conclusion: The results suggest that identifying pre-frailty may play an important pole in crash prevention. Additionally, more attention should be given to older drivers with oral dysfunction and cognitive impairment.

Combined effect of daily physical activity and social relationships on sleep disorder among older adults: cross-sectional and longitudinal study based on data from the Kasama study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether daily physical activity of older adults, combined with social relationships, is associated with the risk of sleep disorder. Further, it determined whether a high level of one variable with a low level of the other, leads to a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder than low levels of both. METHODS: The sample comprised 1339 community-dwelling older Japanese adults: 988 in Study 1 and 351 in Study 2. The level of daily physical activity and range of social relationships were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to assess sleep disorder. To test the combined relationships and effects in Studies 1 and 2, the medians for the respective scores of each of the following four groups that the participants were categorized into, were calculated: (1) low activity group with low social relationships, (2) low activity group with high social relationships, (3) high activity group with low social relationships, and (4) high activity group with high social relationships. After adjusting for potential confounders, a logistic regression analysis was conducted in Study 1. After adjusting for potential confounders, a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted in Study 2. RESULTS: Study 1 revealed that the high activity group with high social relationships showed a significantly lower risk of sleep disorder (ORs: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.404-0.847) than the low activity group with low social relationships. Study 2 also revealed that the high activity group with high social relationships showed a significantly lower prevalence of sleep disorder (HRs: 0.564, 95% CI: 0.327-0.974) than the low activity group with low social relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that for older adults with high social relationships, being physically active is favorably associated with sleep quality. However, a high level of one variable with a low level of the other has not been confirmed in improving sleep quality among older adults.

Mediating role of instrumental activities of daily living ability on cognitive function of older adults living alone: A 4-year longitudinal study from the Kasama study.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of living alone on the cognitive function of older people and the mediating effect of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) ability.The data for a final sample of 3276 participants aged 65 years and above who did not require long-term care at the baseline were used from a 4-year prospective cohort study conducted in Kasama City, Japan. Demographic data including age, sex, and depression at baseline were used as covariates. The Kihon checklist evaluated the IADL ability at baseline and cognitive function at follow-up. The characteristics of those living alone and with others were compared using the student t test and χ2 test. The effect of living alone on cognitive function was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Mediation analyses determined the mediating effects of IADL.A total of 325 participants were living alone; they were significantly older than those living with others, more likely to be female, not provide emotional support, and have low physical function, more severe depression, and lower IADL disability. Living alone had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline at follow-up than living with others. The mediation analysis revealed that IADL disability at follow-up was significantly associated with cognitive decline. Thus, greater IADL ability decreased cognitive decline risk.Older people living alone had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline, and cognitive function significantly mediated IADL ability. Health support for enhancing IADL abilities may help older people living alone maintain good cognitive function.

A case of non-small cell lung cancer presenting anti-amphiphysin antibody-positive paraneoplastic neurological syndrome.

Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) is associated with malignancies, such as small-cell lung cancer. However, patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) rarely develop PNS. We herein report a 72-year-old man with NSCLC who developed disturbance of consciousness on the day of initiation of treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Blood test results revealed anti-amphiphysin (AMPH) antibody positively, leading to the diagnosis of PNS. The disturbance of consciousness was improved with intravenous administration of steroid and immunoglobulin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of anti-AMPH antibody-positive PNS in a patient with NSCLC.

Association between Occupational Dysfunction and Social Isolation in Japanese Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

We clarified the relationship between occupational dysfunction and social isolation among community-dwelling adults. We used a self-administered questionnaire with a cross-sectional study for 2879 independently living older adults in Kasama City, Japan. Participants responded to a self-reported questionnaire in November 2019. Occupational dysfunction and social isolation were assessed. The participants were classified into two groups: healthy occupational function group, and occupational dysfunction group. To examine the relationship between occupational dysfunction and social isolation, we performed a logistic regression analysis with social isolation as a dependent variable and occupational dysfunction as an independent variable. In the crude model, the occupational dysfunction group had a higher risk of social isolation than the healthy occupational function group (odds ratio (OR) = 2.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.63-2.55; p < 0.001). In the adjusted model, the occupational dysfunction group had a higher risk of social isolation than the healthy occupational function group (OR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17-1.94; p = 0.001). The results showed that occupational dysfunction was significantly associated with social isolation. These results can be used in constructing a support method for social isolation from a new perspective.

Successful Re-administration of Atezolizumab for a Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Patient after Cardiac Tamponade Development as a Manifestation of Pseudo-progression Induced by Combination Treatment with Atezolizumab and Cytotoxic Chemotherapy.

Pseudo-progression is a phenomenon induced by treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and is characterized by an increase in tumor size or the appearance of new lesions, followed by tumor regression. However, life-threatening conditions, such as cardiac tamponade, can develop in such patients. We herein report on a 69-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma who developed cardiac tamponade as a manifestation of pseudo-progression induced by treatment with atezolizumab combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy. After managing the cardiac tamponade, atezolizumab was successfully re-administered along with cytotoxic chemotherapy without disease progression.

Incomplete pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by endometrial ovarian cyst: A case report.

A 63-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with history of persistent dyspnea. Right pleural effusion and ovarian tumor were discovered, but here were no significant findings on thoracoscopy under local anesthesia. The pleural effusion was suspected to be secondary to Meigs' syndrome, and a diagnosis of endometriotic ovarian cyst was made. Since the pleural effusion resolved after surgery, the patient was diagnosed with incomplete pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. We consider this to be a valuable case, as there are no previously reported cases of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome derived from an endometriotic ovarian cyst, to the best of our knowledge.

Associations between exercising in a group and physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study using data from the Kasama Study.

[Purpose] To examine the associations of exercise habits, particularly exercising in a group, with physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] A total of 615 older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. We conducted three physical performance tests (grip strength, five times sit-to-stand, and 5-meter walk tests) and the Five-Cog test (attention, memory, visuospatial, language, and reasoning). We investigated exercise habits using questionnaires and classified the participants into three groups as follows: those who did not exercise (n=86), those who exercised alone (n=168), and those who exercised in a group (n=362). To clarify the associations of exercise habits with physical and cognitive functions, we used the analysis of covariance with adjustment for potential confounders. [Results] The participants who exercised in a group had better lower limb strength than those who exercised alone and better scores for all the variables than the non-exercisers. Furthermore, those who exercised in a group scored significantly higher on the attention, memory, visuospatial, and overall cognitive function tests than those who exercised alone. [Conclusion] Our results highlight the importance of the social aspects associated with exercising, such as the presence of exercise peers, to improve the physical and cognitive health of older adults.

Translational Research in Retinopathy of Prematurity: From Bedside to Bench and Back Again.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vascular proliferative disease affecting preterm infants, is a leading cause of childhood blindness. Various studies have investigated the pathogenesis of ROP. Clinical experience indicates that oxygen levels are strongly correlated with ROP development, which led to the development of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) as an animal model of ROP. OIR has been used extensively to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ROP and to evaluate the efficacy of new drug candidates. Large clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents to treat ROP, and anti-VEGF therapy is presently becoming the first-line treatment worldwide. Anti-VEGF therapy has advantages over conventional treatments, including being minimally invasive with a low risk of refractive error. However, long-term safety concerns and the risk of late recurrence limit this treatment. There is an unmet medical need for novel ROP therapies, which need to be addressed by safe and minimally invasive therapies. The recent progress in biotechnology has contributed greatly to translational research. In this review, we outline how basic ROP research has evolved with clinical experience and the subsequent emergence of new drugs. We discuss previous and ongoing trials and present the candidate molecules expected to become novel targets.