Affinity selection of DNA-binding protein complexes using mRNA display

Comprehensive analysis of DNA–protein interactions is important for mapping transcriptional regulatory networks on a genome-wide level. Here we present a new application of mRNA display for in vitro selection of DNA-binding protein heterodimeric complexes. Under improved selection conditions using a TPA-responsive element (TRE) as a bait DNA, known interactors c-fos and c-jun were simultaneously enriched about 100-fold from a model library (a 1:1:20 000 mixture of c-fos, c-jun and gst genes) after one round of selection. Furthermore, almost all kinds of the AP-1 family genes including c-jun, c-fos, junD, junB, atf2 and b-atf were successfully selected from an mRNA display library constructed from a mouse brain poly A(+) RNA after six rounds of selection. These results indicate that the mRNA display selection system can identify a variety of DNA-binding protein complexes in a single experiment. Since almost all transcription factors form heterooligomeric complexes to bind with their target DNA, this method should be most useful to search for DNA-binding transcription factor complexes

RESULTS OF EATON AND LITTLER'S LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION FOR INSTABILITY OF THE FIRST CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT

This study presents the cases of Eaton and Littler's ligament reconstruction for the treatment of instability of lst CM joint resulting from early stage osteoarthritis (Group OA), trauma (Group T), and a part of generalized joint laxity (Group GJL) in 21 joints of 20 cases. Omitting six cases with less than one year follow-up, 15 joints in 14 cases were analyzed. Clinically, hypermobility pain was improved in all joints. However, eight out of 14 patients felt their joints stretched, but still had the normal range of motion. Grip power and pinch power was significantly improved (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). Comparing each group, only Group T revealed a significant difference between preoperative and postoper- ative grip power (P＜0.01). In increase of grip power, Group T were more significantly improved than Group OA (P＜0.01) and Group GJL (P＜0.05). Radiographically, postoper- ative stages of 4 joints in 4 cases out of 8 cases which felt stretched progressed from their preoperative stages. We assumed that the newly reconstructed ligament may be strong enough to maintain the stability of 1st CM joint and ligament reconstruction is most effective in treating post-traumatic instability

RESULTS OF EATON AND LITTLER'S LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION FOR INSTABILITY OF THE FIRST CARPOMETACARPAL JOINT

This study presents the cases of Eaton and Littler's ligament reconstruction for the treatment of instability of lst CM joint resulting from early stage osteoarthritis (Group OA), trauma (Group T), and a part of generalized joint laxity (Group GJL) in 21 joints of 20 cases. Omitting six cases with less than one year follow-up, 15 joints in 14 cases were analyzed. Clinically, hypermobility pain was improved in all joints. However, eight out of 14 patients felt their joints stretched, but still had the normal range of motion. Grip power and pinch power was significantly improved (P＜0.01, P＜0.05). Comparing each group, only Group T revealed a significant difference between preoperative and postoper- ative grip power (P＜0.01). In increase of grip power, Group T were more significantly improved than Group OA (P＜0.01) and Group GJL (P＜0.05). Radiographically, postoper- ative stages of 4 joints in 4 cases out of 8 cases which felt stretched progressed from their preoperative stages. We assumed that the newly reconstructed ligament may be strong enough to maintain the stability of 1st CM joint and ligament reconstruction is most effective in treating post-traumatic instability

A NEW METHOD OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS

As the treatment of lumbar or lumbosacral stenosis, laminectomy with the preservation of tissues supporting the spine and the embracement of the exposed dura mater with thin silicone rubber to prevent the occurrence of restenosis due to exuberant fibrous tissue formation at the operative site have been performed over a period of seven years. Before the prevention of restenosis with silicone rubber, we had to reoperate in cases which developed recurrent symptoms resulting from restenosis of the lumbosacral canal. This operation that we describe is technically feasible and with practical benefit can be done routinely for spinal decompression not only in the lumbosaral, but also in cervical spinal region without requiring an extensive laminectomy

The Efficacy and Safety of Propiverine Hydrochloride in Patients with Overactive Bladder Symptoms Who Poorly Responded to Previous Anticholinergic Agents

Objectives. To prospectively examine the efficacy and safety of propiverine hydrochloride in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms who poorly responded to previous treatment with solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin. Methods. Patients aged ≥20 with persisting OAB symptoms (≥6 in OAB symptom score (OABSS)) even after at least 4-week treatment using solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin were enrolled. Propiverine 20 mg/day was administered for 12 weeks to 70 patients who desired the further improvement of OAB symptoms and 3 who had intolerable adverse events of previous drugs. The OABSS and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were determined before and at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. Results. Of 73 patients enrolled (29 males and 44 females, median age 71 years), 52 completed the protocol treatment. The OABSS was significantly improved by propiverine treatment (9.0 at baseline, 6.2 at 4 weeks, 6.3 at 12 weeks (P < 0.001)). The scores of OAB symptoms (nighttime frequency, urgency and urge incontinence) except daytime frequency also improved significantly. No increase in PVR was observed. The most frequent adverse event was dry mouth (13.7%), followed by constipation (6.8%). Conclusions. Propiverine is useful to improve OAB for patients who poorly respond to solifenacin, tolterodine or imidafenacin

Gp91phox (NOX2) in classically activated microglia exacerbates traumatic brain injury

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We hypothesized that gp91^phox(NOX2), a subunit of NADPH oxidase, generates superoxide anion (O₂^-) and has a major causative role in traumatic brain injury (TBI). To evaluate the functional role of gp91^phoxand reactive oxygen species (ROS) on TBI, we carried out controlled cortical impact in gp91^phoxknockout mice (gp91^phox-/-). We also used a microglial cell line to determine the activated cell phenotype that contributes to gp91^phoxgeneration.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Unilateral TBI was induced in gp91^phox-/-and wild-type (Wt) mice (C57/B6J) (25-30 g). The expression and roles of gp91^phoxafter TBI were investigated using immunoblotting and staining techniques. Levels of O₂^-and peroxynitrite were determined <it>in situ </it>in the mouse brain. The activated phenotype in microglia that expressed gp91^phoxwas determined in a microglial cell line, BV-2, in the presence of IFNγ or IL-4.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Gp91^phoxexpression increased mainly in amoeboid-shaped microglial cells of the ipsilateral hemisphere of Wt mice after TBI. The contusion area, number of TUNEL-positive cells, and amount of O₂^-and peroxynitrite metabolites produced were less in gp91^phox-/-mice than in Wt. In the presence of IFNγ, BV-2 cells had increased inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide levels, consistent with a classical activated phenotype, and drastically increased expression of gp91^phox.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Classical activated microglia promote ROS formation through gp91^phoxand have an important role in brain damage following TBI. Modulating gp91^phoxand gp91^phox-derived ROS may provide a new therapeutic strategy in combating post-traumatic brain injury.</p

Genetic polymorphisms related to muscular strength and flexibility are associated with artistic gymnastic performance in the Japanese population

departmental bulletin pape

Development of a Next-Generation Curriculum for Recognizing the Society which Shifts to a Post Nation-State (III) : Study of Evaluation Method of Citizenship

本研究の目的は，新しい地理歴史科カリキュラムで育成する市民的資質を把握する評価方法を示すことにある。そのため，パフォーマンス評価を参考にして，パフォーマンス課題，ルーブリック，評価問題，単元計画を視点に，貨幣を言説として捉えなおし，貨幣についてパーソナルに語る市民的資質を評価する方法を考察した。この結果，本研究は第１に，市民的資質を把握する評価方法として，パフォーマンス評価が有効であること，第２に，パフォーマンス評価は段階的に生徒を向上させる学習論に基づいていること，第３に，パフォーマンス評価は生徒に開示され自己評価するものになること，第４に，パフォーマンス評価は教師と生徒が協力し，目標を達成するためのものであること，を明らかにした。本研究の意義は，パフォーマンス評価を導入すると，一人ひとりの達成水準が見えるようになり，生徒の学習が教師にも生徒自身にも理解でき，自分の学びを分かるようになる。そうすることで，生徒一人一人が，貨幣に関してどのように語ることができるかを，歴史の語りを通して言説と価値観の関係で自分自身で説明できるなどの市民的資質を主体的に学べることを明らかにしたことである。The purpose of this study is to show the evaluation method to understand citizenship to cultivate in the new geography-history Curriculum. Therefore, the performance evaluation to the reference, performance issues, rubrics, assessment questions, the point of view of the unit plan, re-considered as a discourse of the money, was considered a method for assessing the citizenship that speak to personal about money. The significance of this study, the introduction of performance evaluation, would be achieved the level of each and every look, student learning is also able to understand the student himself to the teacher, made to understand their own learning. By doing so, each student is, whether it is possible to tell how in terms of money, the in relation to the discourse and values through the narrative of history can learn the citizenship, such as can be explained by themselves proactively it is that revealed