Extracellular Neuroleukin Enhances Neuroleukin Secretion From Astrocytes and Promotes Axonal Growth in vitro and in vivo

Under pathological conditions in the central nervous system (CNS), including spinal cord injury, astrocytes show detrimental effects against neurons. It is also known that astrocytes sometimes exert beneficial effects, such as neuroprotection and secretion of axonal growth factors. If beneficial effects of astrocytes after injury could be induced, dysfunction of the injured CNS may improve. However, a way of promoting beneficial functions in astrocytes has not been elucidated. In the current study, we focused on neuroleukin (NLK), which is known to have axonal growth activities in neurons. Although NLK is secreted from astrocytes, the function of NLK in astrocytes is poorly understood. We aimed to clarify the mechanism of NLK secretion in astrocytes and the functional significance of secreted NLK from astrocytes. Stimulation of cultured astrocytes with recombinant NLK significantly elevated the secretion of NLK from astrocytes. Furthermore, astrocyte conditioned medium treated with NLK increased axonal density in cultured cortical neurons. Recombinant NLK itself directly increased axonal density in cultured neurons. These results indicated that NLK secreted from astrocytes acted as an axonal growth factor and that secretion was stimulated by extracellular NLK. To elucidate a direct binding molecule of NLK on astrocytes, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) analysis was performed. A 78 kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP78) was identified as a receptor for NLK, which was related to the secretion of NLK from astrocytes. When NLK was injected into the lesion site of spinal cord injured mice, axonal density in the injured region was significantly increased and hindlimb motor function improved. These results suggested that NLK-GRP78 signalling was important for the beneficial effects of astrocytes. This study strengthens the potential of astrocytes for use as therapeutic targets in CNS traumatic injury

Endobronchial Argon Plasma Coagulation for the Palliation of Recurrent Tracheobronchial Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in Journal of Bronchology, 14(4):278-280, October 2007.The standard treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the airway is surgery, if possible, because survival rate is better than other treatments including radiotherapy. Although ACC shows frequent recurrence during the long-term follow-up unless there has been a complete resection (negative surgical margin), no further treatments are recommended. This report describes how argon plasma coagulation using flexible bronchoscopy has been successfully employed in the treatment of ACC after conventional therapy in 1 case of recurrence after surgery and 2 cases of inoperable patients. All of the patients are alive and healthy more than 6 years after diagnosis.ArticleJournal of Bronchology. 14(4):278-280 (2007)journal articl

Changes in Atrial Size Following PVI: Comparison of the Right and Left Atria

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is expected to cure atrial fibrillation (AF) and to improve atrial remodeling. However, the effects of PVI on the right atrial (RA) size have not been fully examined. We studied the effects of PVI on RA size in comparison that with the effects on LA size. Method: We studied 17 patients with drug-refractory AF (11 paroxysmal, 6 persistent). Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed at baseline and at follow-up to measure and compare RA and LA size.Results: Despite a short duration of AF in 7 patients after the PVI, all cases were maintained in sinus rhythm during the follow-up. LA and RA size were both reduced after the PVI compared with baseline measurements (LA 25.5 ± 2.9cm2 vs. 23.2 ± 3.6cm2, P < 0.05, RA 21.2 ± 2.9cm2 vs. 18.1 ± 3.0cm2, P < 0.01). The reduction ratio was more prominent in RA size (14.9%) than in LA size (8.7%)(P < 0.05). Conclusion: Atrial size was reduced following PVI for both the LA and RA, although the rate of reduction was more prominent in the RA

〈論文〉教員が学生に与える性格的印象と授業評価の関連性

著者専攻(森): 英語教育学・応用言語学, 著者専攻(田邉): 英語教育

授業評価アンケート調査から読み取れる学生の意識と授業の課題(2)--近畿大学法学部英語科目群の分析を通して

[Abstract] As a part of faculty development, most universities now administer student course and teacher evaluation questionnaires in one form or another. Kinki University also started to conduct a campus-wide survey in a unified format in 2008. However, the questionnaire results are usually returned to instructors for individual inspection, and are not yet analyzed systematically. Thus, this paper statistically analyzed part of the survey results that are related to English classes in order to better understand the students\u27 opinions regarding the courses and teachers, and to improve our English programs. Specifically, this study attempted to investigate: (1) how first and second year students evaluate their required English classes and their teachers; (2) how their class and teacher evaluations differ depending on types of classes; (3) how their class and teacher evaluations differ depending on student\u27s proficiency; and (4) what factors contribute to the overall rating of the class and teacher. [要旨] 大学改革の推進とともに学生による授業評価アンケート調査も定着してきたが、単純に集計した結果を個々の教員に返却するだけに留めていては、授業評価が有効的に活用されているとは言い難い。体系的・統計的にその結果を分析し、科学的根拠にもとついたデータをもとに組織レベルで問題点や課題の発見に努め、状況改善のための方策を検討する必要があるだろう。本稿では、近畿大学法学部で実施した授業評価結果を英語科目に焦点を当て、以下の観点から統計的に分析することにより、法学部英語プログラムの現状把握を試み、授業改善のための諸課題を検討した。(1) 1回生と2回生は英語基幹科目の授業とその担当者をどのように評価しているのか。(2) 科目の違いによって授業評価の結果にどのような差異があるのか。(3) 習熟度の違いによって授業評価の結果にどのような差異が生じるのか。(4) 総合評価に影響を及ぼす要因は何か