Synthesis and Metal-Complexation Ability of Cross-Linking Materials Containing Noria-Templated Cavities with Pendant Carboxylic Acid Groups

We synthesized noria-containing cross-linking materials, Cross(Noria-MA-co-DM[n]m), by radical polymerization of a noria derivative with pendant methacryloyl groups (noria-MA) and α, ω-alkanedimethacrylamides (DM[n], n = 3, 6, 12) at feed ratios of noria-MA/DM[n] = 1/2.4, 1/12, and 1/24 (m = 2.4, 12. and 24). Alkaline hydrolysis reaction of Cross(Noria-MA-co-DM[n]m) removed the noria moieties to give corresponding cross-linking materials, Cross-COOH-DM[n]m, containing noria-templated fixed cavities with pendant carboxylic acid groups. Among the noria-containing cross-linking materials, Cross(Noria-MA-co-DM[6]24) showed the greatest extent of removal of noria upon hydrolysis. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide absorption studies indicated that Cross(Noria-MA-co-DM[6]24) contains fixed cavities, whereas Cross-COOH-DM[6]24 does not in the solid (unswollen) state. Examination of the inclusion-complex-forming ability of the synthesized cross-linking materials using aqueous solutions of metal ions revealed that Cross-COOH-DM[6]24 has the greatest absorption capacity. These results indicate that Cross-COOH-DM[6]24 indeed contains noria-templated cavities that can accommodate metal ions in aqueous solution.exterior and a hydrophobic interior, and form complexes selectively with organic compounds in water[14]. Polyrotaxanes[15-17] and nanotubes[18] also have the ability to form complexes with organic compounds. On the other hand, we synthesized a ladder-type cyclic oligomer, which we called noria (water-wheel in Latin), by means of one-pot reaction using resorcinol and 1,5-pentanedial in high yield.[19] Single-crystal X-ray analysis confirmed that noria has 24 hydroxyl groups, 6 cavities in the side, and a large hydrophobic central hole, i.e., a water-wheel-like structure (Scheme 1). A noria derivative (noria-COOEt) containing carboxylic ester moieties could form a complex with Rb+ ion, which was apparently enclosed in the central hole in the molecule. Other noria derivatives[20 - 27] and noria-like macrocycle compounds [28 - 31] have since been synthesized and their applications have been investigated.This is a product of research which was financially supported (in part) by the Kansai University Fund for Supporting Outlay Research Centers, 2017. “Development of new materials and new processes for establishment of advanced separation system for various metals”

Fabrication and Characteristics of Chitosan Sponge as a Tissue Engineering Scaffold

Cells, growth factors, and scaffolds are the three main factors required to create a tissue-engineered construct. After the appearance of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), considerable attention has therefore been focused on nonbovine materials. In this study, we examined the properties of a chitosan porous scaffold. A porous chitosan sponge was prepared by the controlled freezing and lyophilization of different concentrations of chitosan solutions. The materials were examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the porosity, tensile strength, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) release profiles from chitosan sponge were examined in vitro. The morphology of the chitosan scaffolds presented a typical microporous structure, with the pore size ranging from 50 to 200 m. The porosity of chitosan scaffolds with different concentrations was approximately 75-85%. A decreasing tendency for porosity was observed as the concentration of the chitosan increased. The relationship between the tensile properties and chitosan concentration indicated that the ultimate tensile strength for the sponge increased with a higher concentration. The in vitro bFGF release study showed that the higher the concentration of chitosan solution became, the longer the releasing time of the bFGF from the chitosan sponge was

[実践報告] 老年看護学実習の学びにポスターツアー（ジグソー法）を用いた教育実践の評価

要旨：本稿では看護学部３年生の「老年看護学実習Ⅰ」の科目におけるポスターツアー（ジグソー法）を用いた教育実践の概要および実施状況、さらに学生からの評価をもとに教育実践の効果を述べる。　2019年９月～10月、58名の学生は老年看護学実習（高齢者施設実習）の学びをグループでまとめてポスターを作成した。ジグソー法による実習グループの再編成後にポスターツアーを実施した。実習終了後、対象学生へ無記名自記式のアンケート調査を実施した。　調査の結果、“実習施設の理解が深まった”は「とてもそう思う」93.1％、「少しそう思う」5.2％、「無回答」1.7％であった。“他施設の役割・機能がわかった”は「とてもそう思う」93.1％、「少しそう思う」3.4％、「どちらでもない」および「無回答」ともに1.7％であった。“施設間の相違がわかった”についても同じ傾向を示した。　ポスターツアー（ジグソー法）を用いた実習の学びの共有は、質疑応答に十分な時間を費やすことが可能となり、発表全体への理解度を深めた。また、個々のグループメンバーが代表として責任をもってグループの学びを他のメンバーへ発表することは、フリーライダーを抑止し、個人の学びを深めることに効果的であった。Abstract: This study outlined an educational practice based on poster presentations (jigsaw method) in the course “Geriatric Nursing Practice I” taught to third-year students at the faculty of nursing in A nursing college. We also described the implementation status of the educational practice and its effectiveness based on students’ evaluations. From September to October 2019, 58 students created posters in groups summarizing what was learned during their practical training in Geriatric Nursing Practice I (i.e., practice at older adult care facilities). Poster presentations were conducted based on the jigsaw method after the students of the training group regrouped. After the practical training was completed, the students were surveyed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. According to the survey results, 93.1% of the students responded “Strongly agree” to the statement “I gained adeeper understanding of the training facility,” whereas 5.2% responded “Somewhat agree,” and 1.7% did not provide a response. Regarding the statement “I understood the role and function of other facilities,” 93.1% of the students responded “Strongly agree,” whereas 3.4% responded “Somewhat agree,” and 1.7% either responded “Neither agree nor disagree” or did not provide a response. The same tendency was observed with regard to the statement “I understood the differences between facilities.” Sharing what was learned during the practical training through poster presentations (jigsaw method) allowed the students to spend sufficient time on questions and answers which deepened their understanding of all presentations. Further, each group member presented what their group had learned to other groups, which was effective in deterring freeloaders and promoting intensive individual learning

Seed-specific expression of truncated OsGAD2 produces GABA-enriched rice grains that influence a decrease in blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon amino acid that is commonly present in living organisms and functions as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in mammals. It is understood to have a potentially anti-hypertensive effect in mammals. GABA is synthesized from glutamate by glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). In plants, GAD is regulated via its calmodulin-binding domain (CaMBD) by Ca2+/CaM. We have previously reported that a C-terminal truncated version of one of the five rice GAD isoforms, GAD2ΔC, revealed higher enzymatic activity in vitro and that its over-expression resulted in exceptionally high GABA accumulation (Akama and Takaiwa, J Exp Bot 58:2699–2607, 2007). In this study, GAD2ΔC, under the control of the rice glutelin promoter (GluB-1), was introduced into rice cells via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to produce transgenic rice lines. Analysis of the free amino acid content of rice grains revealed up to about a 30-fold higher level of GABA than in non-transformed rice grains. There were also very high levels of various free protein amino acids in the seeds. GABA-enriched rice grains were milled to a fine powder for oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs). Six weeks of administration showed that transgenic rice brings about a 20 mmHg decrease in blood pressure in two different kinds of SHRs, while there was no significant hypotensive effect in WKYs. These results suggest an alternative way to control and/or cure hypertension in humans with GABA-enriched rice as part of a common daily diet

テンソル ブンカイ ノ イッパンカ ト ソノ オウヨウ

博士(Doctor)工学(Engineering)奈良先端科学技術大学院大学博第1055号甲第1055号博士(工学)奈良先端科学技術大学院大

Berberine-induced activation of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and glucose transport in rat skeletal muscles.

Berberine (BBR) is the main alkaloid of Coptis chinensis, which has been used as a folk medicine to treat diabetes mellitus in Asian countries. We explored the possibility that 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in metabolic enhancement by BBR in skeletal muscle, the important tissue for glucose metabolism. Isolated rat epitrochlearis and soleus muscles were incubated in a buffer containing BBR, and activation of AMPK and related events were examined. In response to BBR treatment, the Thr(172) phosphorylation of the catalytic α-subunit of AMPK, an essential step for full kinase activation, increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ser(79) phosphorylation of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, an intracellular substrate of AMPK, increased correspondingly. Analysis of isoform-specific AMPK activity revealed that BBR activated both the α1 and α2 isoforms of the catalytic subunit. This increase in enzyme activity was associated with an increased rate of 3-O-methyl-d-glucose transport in the absence of insulin and with phosphorylation of AS160, a signaling intermediary leading to glucose transporter 4 translocation. The intracellular energy status estimated from the phosphocreatine concentration was decreased by BBR. These results suggest that BBR acutely stimulates both AMPKα1 and AMPKα2 and insulin-independent glucose transport in skeletal muscle with a reduction of the intracellular energy status

Comparison of Indoor Environment and Energy Consumption before and after Spread of COVID-19 in Schools in Japanese Cold-Climate Region

A report released by the WHO indicates that aerosols from infected people are one of the major sources of the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as the COVID-19 infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads, it has become necessary to reconsider the design and operation of buildings. Inside school buildings in cold regions, not only is it not easy to increase ventilation during the winter, but it may also be difficult for students to attend classes while wearing masks during the summer because such buildings are not equipped with air-conditioning systems. In short, school buildings in cold climates have more problems than those in warm climates. We report on the results of indoor environmental measurement using our developed CO2-concentration meters, a questionnaire survey on students' feeling of being hot or cold (i.e., 'thermal sensation'), and a comparison of energy consumption before and after the spread of COVID-19 infection in schools in Sapporo, Japan, a cold-climate area. The results indicate that (1) more than 70% of the students participated in window ventilation by the CO2 meter, and (2) a relatively good indoor environment was maintained through the efforts of teachers and students. However, we also found that (1) 90% of the students felt hot in summer and (2) 40% felt cold in winter, (3) energy efficiency worsened by 7% due to increased ventilation, and (4) air quality was not as clean as desired during the coldest months of the year. Therefore, investment in insulation and air conditioning systems for school buildings is needed