Estimation of Isozyme Marker Genes and Genetic Variability in Shijimi Clam, Corbicula japonica in Japan

In order to estimate the isozyme marker genes in Shijimi clam, Corbicula japonica, starch gel electrophoresis was carried out about 27 enzymes for three tissues. As a result, twelve isozyme loci, Aat-1, Aat-2, Ak-2, Fdp, Gpi, Idh-1, Mdh-1, Mdh-2, Mdh-3, 6Pgd, Sod-1 and Sod-2 coding for eight enzymes were estimated as genetic markers. Tissue specific patterns were not observed, but foot tissue was better used for isozyme analysis based on clarity of bands. Using the above marker genes, genetic variability was calculated as follows: the proportion of polymorphic loci ranged from 0.17 to 0.42 with a mean of 0.31, expected average heterozygosity was ranged from 0.041 to 0.103 with a mean of 0.071, and mean number of alleles per locus ranged from 1.8 to 2.0 with a mean of 1.9. The results revealed that genetic variability in Corbicula japonica was higher than fishes, crustacean and squids, but lower than the average of marine mollusks. These isozymes could be useful genetic markers for analyzing population structure of this species

High pressure conditions promote the proliferation of rat cultured mesangial cells in vitro

AbstractGlomerular capillary pressure is involved in the development of chronic renal failure and has at least two effects on mesangial cells: transmembrane hydrostatic pressure and stretch. To clarify whether pure hydrostatic pressure itself affects the proliferation of cultured rat mesangial cells, we compared the cell number under atmospheric pressure condition with high pressure condition. At 24 and 48h with 0.5% serum, cell number was significantly higher under high pressure condition than under atmospheric pressure condition. At 48h, cell number under high pressure condition was increased in a pressure-dependent manner. Furthermore, flow cytometric assay indicated that pressure-load could promote DNA synthesis rate at S phase and enhance G1/S progression induced by low concentration of serum (0.5%). These results suggest that pure hydrostatic pressure itself can promote the proliferation of cultured rat mesangial cells by advancing cell cycle progression in vitro

Effects of gender and body weight on fibroblast growth factor 23 responsiveness to estimated dietary phosphorus

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a molecule involved in regulating phosphorus homeostasis. Although some studies indicated an association between serum FGF23 levels and sex, the association has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sex could influence FGF23 responsiveness to dietary phosphorus intake in healthy individuals. Thirty two healthy subjects between 21 and 28 years were recruited for this study. Subjects performed 24-hour urine collection and blood samples were collected. We estimated phosphorus intake (UC-P) from the urine collection (UC), and evaluated any association between UC-P and serum FGF23 levels. Subsequently, we compared serum FGF23 levels between males and females. Positive correlation was observed between UC-P and serum FGF23 levels. Serum FGF23 levels were significantly higher in males than in females. Serum FGF23 levels/UC-P was significantly higher in females than in males. There was no significant difference in serum FGF23 levels/UC-P/BW between the male and female groups. Our results indicate that there was no gender difference between FGF23 responsiveness to phosphorus intake per body weight

Conception of Life Skills Education Program for Children and Family Life Supported by Community: Through the practice of "SEMORI" embroidery experience course for parents and children

This report is a practical report of a “SEMORI” embroidery experience program for parents and children, which was conducted envisioning a community-based family and child life skills education program. Participants in the two programs included 36 children, 30 parents, 31 high school students, and 12 university teachers and students. Most of the children who participated had positive opinions about the program, such as “I had fun” and “I want to do more.” Parents also shared positive feedback, such as “It was good to be able to concentrate” and “It was nice to be able to make it with the children.” As for the changes parents and children felt after participating in the first and the second program, the following answers were obtained: “I became to think strongly about my children,” “I had become more active in housework,” and “The number of conversations between parents and children had increased.” Therefore, the life skills education program could be expected not only to help acquire skills, but also to promote communication between parents and children, and make the former feel positive about childrearing and housework.本研究は，JSPS科研費JP20Ｋ02811（代表者 梶山曜子）の助成を受けたものである

Very Low Nucleation Rates of Glucose Isomerase Crystals under Microgravity in the International Space Station

In situ observation of the nucleation and growth of glucose isomerase (GI) crystals under microgravity was conducted using an optical microscope during the first flight of the Advanced Nano Step project undertaken in the International Space Station (ISS). Very low apparent nucleation rates (J’) of GI crystals in the solution and on the substrate of the growth container were confirmed compared with those on the ground. In particular, J’ of GI crystals in the solution were a few times lower than that on the substrate. The growth rates (R) of the {101} faces of GI crystals on the substrate and the apparent growth rates (R’) in the solution were measured. The very low nucleation rates allowed us to successfully measure R at a very high supersaturation region (up to ln(C/Ce) = 6), at which R cannot be measured on the ground

Phase Ib/II study of nivolumab combined with palliative radiation therapy for bone metastasis in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

Radiation therapy (RT) can enhance the abscopal effect of immune checkpoint blockade. This phase I/II study investigated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab plus RT in HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer requiring palliative RT for bone metastases. Cohort A included luminal-like disease, and cohort B included both luminal-like and triple-negative disease refractory to standard systemic therapy. Patients received 8 Gy single fraction RT for bone metastasis on day 0. Nivolumab was administered on day 1 for each 14-day cycle. In cohort A, endocrine therapy was administered. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) of the unirradiated lesions. Cohorts A and B consisted of 18 and 10 patients, respectively. The ORR was 11% (90% CI 4–29%) in cohort A and 0% in cohort B. Disease control rates were 39% (90% CI 23–58%) and 0%. Median progression-free survival was 4.1 months (95% CI 2.1–6.1 months) and 2.0 months (95% CI 1.2–3.7 months). One patient in cohort B experienced a grade 3 adverse event. Palliative RT combined with nivolumab was safe and showed modest anti-tumor activity in cohort A. Further investigations to enhance the anti-tumor effect of endocrine therapy combined with RT plus immune checkpoint blockade are warranted