Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis Reveals Phytoestrogen Modification of Promoter Methylation Patterns during Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

BACKGROUND: Environmental challenges during development affect the fetal epigenome, but the period(s) vulnerable to epigenetic dysregulation is(are) not clear. By employing a soy phytoestrogen, genistein, that is known to alter the epigenetic states of the A(vy) allele during embryogenesis, we have explored the sensitive period for epigenetic regulation. The post-implantation period, when de novo DNA methylation actively proceeds, is amenable to in vitro analysis using a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation system. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Mouse ES cells were differentiated in the presence or absence of genistein, and DNA methylation patterns on day 10 were compared by microarray-based promoter methylation analysis coupled with a methylation-sensitive endonuclease (HpaII/McrBC)-dependent enrichment procedure. Moderate changes in methylation levels were observed in a subset of promoters following genistein treatment. Detailed investigation of the Ucp1 and Sytl1 promoters further revealed that genistein does not affect de novo methylation occurring between day 0 and day 4, but interferes with subsequent regulatory processes and leads to a decrease in methylation level for both promoters. CONCLUSION: Genistein perturbed the methylation pattern of differentiated ES cells after de novo methylation. Our observations suggest that, for a subset of genes, regulation after de novo DNA methylation in the early embryo may be sensitive to genistein

Validity and reproducibility of food photographic estimation for evaluating meals in evacuation shelters

Objective: The primary goal was to evaluate the validity of food photographic estimation for nutritional assessment compared with weighed food record (WFR). Methods: We evaluated the validity and reproducibility of photographic estimation of foods provided in evacuation shelters. We analyzed 35 meals served at 12 shelters in Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan, affected by a heavy rain disaster in 2020. In this context, we compared 21 senior students' portion size estimation by food photographs to WFR. In addition, we assigned five meals for each of the 21 senior students, and the same meal photograph was estimated by three students to test reproducibility. Results: No statistically significant difference was detected between the two methods regarding energy, the total grams of meal, the protein, and vitamins B1, B2, and C, except for salt. In addition, the students who never self-cooked underestimated the total grams. Conclusion: Food photographic estimation could simplify the nutritional assessment in evacuation shelters. However, unclear photographs and food items served by weight could weaken the estimation accuracy. According to previous studies and the applied postestimation questionnaire, photographs taken from specified angles and reference food photobooks for portion size estimation may improve accuracy

Characteristics of Educational Leaflets that Attract Pregnant Women

Background Many health service sectors produce leaflets for health education, but specific issues such as their overall content and design (layout, graphics, illustrations) are seldom discussed. Important features contributing to the effectiveness of any leaflet is the extent to which it is read by its target audience. The purpose of this study was to examine the acceptability of two different leaflets on abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. Methods Four semistructured group discussions were conducted among 33 pregnant women. They were asked if they would take, read, and save the leaflets, and to give a reason for their decision. The reasons were discussed according to the components of the leaflet, including its front cover, content, and illustrations. Results The design of a leaflet's front cover plays a key role in attracting pregnant women, and, in the event that readers are interested in the topic, they prefer a leaflet with detailed content, and a real-life example, eg, a photograph of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome. Conclusion Positive key characteristics should be incorporated into educational leaflets to enhance the attention given to the material by pregnant women, as well as to facilitate retention of the information

A Training Program to Enhance Disaster Preparedness of Group Companies in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Many business continuity (BC) plans do not mention food and water for BC personnel. Moreover, the BC relies on the assumption that, during an emergency or crisis, employees’ basic needs and personal hygiene are satisfied. Although no one can engage in BC without these supplies, literature regarding companies’ disaster stocks for their employees is limited. We evaluated the current situation of companies’ stockpiles of food and other supplies and what their employees thought about them after participating in a newly-developed overnight training program that allows the participants to experience situations that they would encounter in a disaster. Thirty-three employees from eight companies in Tokyo participated in the program. Seventy-five percent of the participants’ companies had food stocks for three days as instructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government but, after eating four stock meals, 81.3% of the participants thought it would be better if this provision were improved. The stock rate for bedding was 62.5% but less than 30% of companies stocked both blankets and mats, as suggested by the Sphere Standards. There were several people who complained of sleeplessness and a poor physical condition the next morning and this could be an obstacle in the BC