<ORIGINAL REPORT>IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE SUBUNITS IN LUNG CANCER CELLS

この論文は国立情報学研究所の学術雑誌公開支援事業により電子化されました。Immunohistochemical distribution of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) subunits in human lung cancer cells were studied using fluorescent antibody technique. Both in cytological and histological specimen, specific fluorescence of LDH-H and LDH-M were seen in the cytoplasm of cancer cells, and in most cases no remarkable difference could be demonstrated between the distribution of H and M subunit. But in some cases specific fluorescence of M-subunit was stronger than that of H-subunit. The fluorescence of M-subunit was demonstrated as fine granules diffusely in the cytoplasm. On the other hand the fluorescence of H-subunit was rather localized and demonstrated as rather coarse granules. And this observation was discussed

Roles of silica and lignin in horsetail (Equisetum hyemale), with special reference to mechanical properties

This research deals with detailed analyses of silica and lignin distribution in horsetail with special reference to mechanical strength. Scanning electron images of a cross-section of an internode showed silica deposited densely only around the outer epidermis. Detailed histochemical analyses of lignin showed no lignin deposition in the silica-rich outer internodes of horsetail, while a characteristic lignin deposition was noticed in the vascular bundle in inner side of internodes. To analyze the structure of horsetail from a mechanical viewpoint, we calculated the response of a model structure of horsetail to a mechanical force applied perpendicularly to the long axis by a finite element method. We found that silica distributed in the outer epidermis may play the major structural role, with lignin's role being limited ensuring that the vascular bundle keep waterproof. These results were in contrast to more modern tall trees like gymnosperms, for which lignin provides mechanical strength. Lignin has the advantage of sticking to cellulose, hemicellulose, and other materials. Such properties make it possible for plants containing lignin to branch. Branching of tree stems aids in competing for light and other atmospheric resources. This type of branching was impossible for ancient horsetails, which relied on the physical properties of silica. From the evolutional view points, over millennia in trees with high lignin content, true branching, and many chlorophyll-containing leaves developed. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3688253]ArticleJOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS. 111(4):044703 (2012)journal articl

Nephrin is an important component of the barrier system in the testis.

Nephrin, a gene product of the congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (NPHS1), is a 1242-residue putative transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin family of cell adhesion molecules. The expression of this gene is localized in rat and human glomerular epithelial cells. Here we report the expression of nephrin in various tissues other than the kidneys in mice. The expression of nephrin mRNA in various tissues of mice, including the kidneys, testes, spleen, thymus and brain, were first investigated by the RT-PCR method, and it was shown that a high level of nephrin mRNA could be detected in the testes of mice 1-6 weeks old. In situ hybridization revealed the expression of the nephrin gene in the Sertoli cells. Additionally, immunofluorescent staining studies indicated that nephrin was colocalized with anchoring protein ZO-1 in the mouse testis. From these results, it is inferred that nephrin is an important component of the barrier system in testes.</p

Prevalence and risk factors for low back pain among professional cooks working in school lunch services

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The prevalence of self-reported low back pain among professional cooks was estimated to examine the effects of daily life conditions, job-related factors, and psychological factors on this disorder.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data was collected using a mailed self-administered questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 7100 cooks, 5835 (82%) replied to the questionnaire, including 1010 men and 4825 women. The mean age was 41.4 for men and 47.5 for women. The prevalence of low back pain during a 1-month period was 72.2% among men and 74.7% among women, with no significant differences between groups. By logistic regression analyses, factors significantly associated with the prevalence of low back pain in 1 month were female gender (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03–1.68), current smoking (PR 1.57; 95% CI, 1.24–1.98), and past smoking (PR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01–1.79). As for job-related factors, the number of cooked lunches per person (PR 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05–1.56), breaks in the morning session (PR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13–1.56), kitchen environment (PR 1.09; 95%, CI, 1.03–1.15), and height of cooking equipment (PR 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08–1.19) were associated with the prevalence of low back pain. As for psychological factors, job satisfaction (PR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03–1.45), stress at work (PR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.42–1.99), financial constraints (PR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03–1.47), health-related stress (PR 1.31; 95% CI, 1.08–1.59) and worries about the future (PR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01–1.52) were similarly associated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Daily life conditions, job-related factors, and psychological factors are associated with the occurrence of low back pain. It is important to take comprehensive preventive measures to address a range of work and life conditions that can be improved to decrease the incidence of low back pain for professional cooks.</p

Nanocomposite of silk fibroin nanofiber and montmorillonite: Fabrication and morphology

The purpose of our research is creating a new nanocomposite material. Generally silk fibroin (SF) is regarded as a promising base material for biomedical uses. The incorporation of montmorillonite (MMT) into SF fibers would improve physical properties of the SF fibers. We investigated a new method of combining electospun SF with MMT. Specifically, electrospun silk nanofibers were treated with methanol and dipped in a MMT suspension. We could obtain a nanosheet composite of silk nanofibers and MMT. Their ultrastructures were successfully visualized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. This compound was comprised of individual silk nanofibers surrounded by thin layers of MMT, each with a thickness of about 1.2 nm. This structure was confirmed by elemental analysis. We also performed IR, NMR and X-ray diffraction analyses in conjunction with morphological data. Conclusively we obtained a new composite of silk nanofiber and MMT, which has never been reported. Using this unique nanocomposite biological tests of its application for a scaffold for tissue engineering are under way.ArticleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES. 57:124-128 (2013)journal articl