Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis of Gastric Cancer

Tumor angiogenesis is the result of an imbalance between positive and negative angiogenic factors released by tumor and host cells into the microenvironment of the neoplastic tissue. The stroma constitutes a large part of most solid tumors, and cancer-stromal cell interactions contribute functionally to tumor growth and metastasis. Activated fibroblasts and macrophages in tumor stroma play important roles in angiogenesis and tumor progression. In gastric cancer, tumor cells and stromal cells produce various angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-8, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, and angiopoietin. In addition, Helicobacter pylori infection increases tumor cell expression of metastasis-related genes including those encoding several angiogenic factors. We review the current understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis of human gastric cancer

Injurious effects of ethanol on rat Kupffer cells.

The effects of ethanol on rat Kupffer cells were studied functionally and morphologically. Eight g ethanol per kg body weight per day was intragastrically administered to rats for 7 days. An isocaloric glucose solution was administered to control rats. The phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system was measured by the carbon clearance method (57 mg carbon particles per kg body weight) on the 7th day. Kupffer cells having phagocytized carbon particles were counted under the light microscope. Kupffer cells were also observed by scanning electron microscopy. Both the carbon clearance and Kupffer cell number were lower in ethanol-administered rats (32 +/- 8 X 10(-4) mg/ml; 0.6 +/- 0.3/0.01 mm2 liver lobule) as compared to control rats (63 +/- 15; 3.1 +/- 1.0). Microvilli and filopodia of Kupffer cells were fewer in ethanol-administered rats than in control rats. Carbon clearance correlated with Kupffer cell number per 0.01 mm2 liver lobule and liver weight. These results suggest that the decrease in carbon clearance induced by ethanol is due mainly to the decrease in Kupffer cell number and partly to the decrease in Kupffer cell activity as demonstrated by the disappearance of microvilli and filopodia.</p

STEM Materials Derived from the Cycloid

A cycloid is a plane curve obtained as the locus of a point fixed on a circle, when the circle rolls on a straight line without slipping. Similar plane curves can be considered if we replace a base line with other curves such as parabola, hyperbola, circles. Conversely, we examine the inverse problem. That is, for a given curve, what is the base for which a fixed point on a rolling circle yields the curve as the locus? In general, this is hard to solve, but we discuss two approaches from viewpoints of differential equation and geometry. For the latter, we propose an implementation for the computational software Mathematica.本研究はJSPS科研費JP17H00820の助成を受けたものである

How the Use of Curriculum Resources Explains Inter-Teacher Differences in Lesson Planning

This study concerned teacher education in mathematics―specifically, curriculum resources (textbooks and other media that teachers use when planning a lesson or delivering classroom instruction). Four levels of curriculum resources (media) were identified, and the concept of “translation” was adopted to describe the process in which a medium at a higher level is replaced by a medium at a lower level. A survey was conducted among 15 trainee teachers in t he 2019 academic year. The purpose of the survey was to examine inter-teacher differences in lesson planning; particularly, the media the teachers used in their translations, the order in which they used the media, and how each medium shaped the translation process. The results revealed that (1) the trainee teachers simulated the actions of the textbook authors or students and that (2) the functions of the media changed after a translation was performed. These findings imply that differences in lesson planning can be explained by differences in the type of media translated, the order in which they are used, and the way the media are used

Enhanced visualization of the portal vein system in superior mesenteric arterial portography using prostaglandin E1.

The portal vein system was clearly visualized in superior mesenteric arterial portography using prostaglandin E1. Angiographic examination was performed in 68 patients with various liver diseases during the 2 year period from 1980 to 1981. Twenty microgram of prostaglandin E1 was injected into the superior mesenteric artery 30 seconds before injection of 60 ml of contrast medium. The main portal vein was visualized in all of 68 cases. A high rate of success for visualization of the intrahepatic portal vein system by prostaglandin E1 was achieved. The first branches of the intrahepatic portal vein were visualized in 100% of the cases, the second branches in 82%, the third branches in 44%, and the fourth branches in 4% in the right portal vein system. In the left portal vein system, the first branches were visualized in 87%, the second branches in 41%, and the third branches in 3% of the cases. The intrahepatic portal vein system was more clearly visualized in females than in males (P less than 0.05). This procedure is simple, safe and useful for clear visualization of the portal vein system.</p

Developing a Learning Material to Understand and Explore Solar Eclipses as a STEM Topic

We propose a learning material for high-school students to understand the mechanism of solar eclipses and explore them from various viewpoints as a STEM topic. The purpose of this material is not to predict solar eclipses accurately, but the prediction error is small, which may provide the students the value of our material. In the next Course of Study, a new subject called the explorations in Math and Science will be launched. We expect that our material can be used there.本研究は，JSPS科研費JP17H00820の助成を受けたものである

Clinical significance of VEGF-A, -C and -D expression in esophageal malignancies

Vascular endothelial growth factors ( VEGF)- A, - C and - D are members of the proangiogenic VEGF family of glycoproteins. VEGF-A is known to be the most important angiogenic factor under physiological and pathological conditions, while VEGF-C and VEGF-D are implicated in the development and sprouting of lymphatic vessels, so called lymphangiogenesis. Local tumor progression, lymph node metastases and hematogenous tumor spread are important prognostic factors for esophageal carcinoma ( EC), one of the most lethal malignancies throughout the world. We found solid evidence in the literature that VEGF expression contributes to tumor angiogenesis, tumor progression and lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC), and many authors could show a prognostic value for VEGF-assessment. In adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus angiogenic properties are acquired in early stages, particularly in precancerous lesions like Barrett's dysplasia. However, VEGF expression fails to give prognostic information in AC of the esophagus. VEGF-C and VEGF-D were detected in SCC and dysplastic lesions, but not in normal mucosa of the esophagus. VEGF-C expression might be associated with lymphatic tumor invasion, lymph node metastases and advanced disease in esophageal SCC and AC. Therapeutic interference with VEGF signaling may prove to be a promising way of anti-angiogenic co-treatment in esophageal carcinoma. However, concrete clinical data are still pending