GROUND REACTION FORCE AND KINEMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PIROUETTE IN BALLET IN FLAT SHOES VERSUS POINTE SHOES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ground reaction force and kinematic variables in the ballet single turn called pirouette in both flat shoes and pointe shoes by skilled professional ballet dancers. Kinematic parameters of both legs and ground reaction force were obtained from eight skilled ballet dancers through a threedimensional motion analysis. We found significant increased ground reaction force and significant increased range of motion for both legs only for hip joint in pointe shoes, while angular velocity of hip, knee and ankle joint in pointe shoes were significantly greater in pointe shoes than those in flat shoes. From the results of this study, it is indicated that performing a single pirouette in pointe shoes would increase in ground reaction force associated with greater joint range of motion and angular velocity of lower extremity

THE EFFECT OF FATIGUE ON PEAK GROUND REACTION FORCE AND LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATICS DURING SINGLE-LEG LANDING IN DANCERS

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fatigue on peak vertical ground reaction force and lower extremity kinematics during single-leg landing in dancers and non-dancers. Subjects (n=20) were divided into two groups; Dance group (n=10) and Control group (n=10). Subjects performed single-leg drop landing from a 30 cm platform before and after fatigue protocol. Before fatigue protocol, dancers showed significant longer time between initial contact and the maximum ground reaction force achieved compared with the controls. After fatigue protocol, there was significant increase in peak ground reaction force during landing for both dancers and controls. Both groups also showed significant increase in hip and knee flexion after fatigue protocol

チュウゴクゴ カノウ ヒョウゲン ノ シュウトク ジョウキョウ ニ カンスル コウサツ ダイガク ニ オケル チョウサ ケッカ オ チュウシン ニ

本稿は「現代中国語における可能表現の学習効果―導入及び習得データに基づく実証分析」（研究代表者：安本真弓）の一環として、日本人大学生を対象に実施した中国語可能表現習得状況の測定テスト調査に基づき、現行の中国語教科書に記載されている中国語可能表現に関する解説及び用例による習得状況の考察を視野に入れながら、中国語可能表現の習得状況に関する問題点を「インプット処理（input processing）研究」からのアプローチを中心に分析することを目的とする。また、測定テスト調査結果のデータ分析及び第二言語習得理論で指摘される誤用タイプなどを踏まえたうえで、今後教科書指導のなかで導入すべき可能助動詞“能”、“会”、“可以”及び可能補語に関する「理解可能なインプット」を考案する際に、それぞれ配慮すべき点を明示する

Mouse in Utero Electroporation: Controlled Spatiotemporal Gene Transfection

In order to understand the function of genes expressed in specific region of the developing brain, including signaling molecules and axon guidance molecules, local gene transfer or knock- out is required. Gene targeting knock-in or knock-out into local regions is possible to perform with combination with a specific CRE line, which is laborious, costly, and time consuming. Therefore, a simple transfection method, an in utero electroporation technique, which can be performed with short time, will be handy to test the possible function of candidate genes prior to the generation of transgenic animals 1,2. In addition to this, in utero electroporation targets areas of the brain where no specific CRE line exists, and will limit embryonic lethality 3,4. Here, we present a method of in utero electroporation combining two different types of electrodes for simple and convenient gene transfer into target areas of the developing brain. First, a unique holding method of embryos using an optic fiber optic light cable will make small embryos (from E9.5) visible for targeted DNA solution injection into ventricles and needle type electrodes insertion to the targeted brain area 5,6. The patterning of the brain such as cortical area occur at early embryonic stage, therefore, these early electroporation from E9.5 make a big contribution to understand entire area patterning event. Second, the precise shape of a capillary prevents uterine damage by making holes by insertion of the capillary. Furthermore, the precise shape of the needle electrodes are created with tungsten and platinum wire and sharpened using sand paper and insulated with nail polish 7, a method which is described in great detail in this protocol. This unique technique allows transfection of plasmid DNA into restricted areas of the brain and will enable small embryos to be electroporated. This will help to, open a new window for many scientists who are working on cell differentiation, cell migration, axon guidance in very early embryonic stage. Moreover, this technique will allow scientists to transfect plasmid DNA into deep parts of the developing brain such as thalamus and hypothalamus, where not many region-specific CRE lines exist for gain of function (GOF) or loss of function (LOF) analyses

Elimination of Specific miRNAs by Naked 14-nt sgRNAs

tRNase ZL-utilizing efficacious gene silencing (TRUE gene silencing) is a newly developed technology to suppress mammalian gene expression. TRUE gene silencing works on the basis of a unique enzymatic property of mammalian tRNase ZL, which is that it can recognize a pre-tRNA-like or micro-pre-tRNA-like complex formed between target RNA and artificial small guide RNA (sgRNA) and can cleave any target RNA at any desired site. There are four types of sgRNA, 5′-half-tRNA, RNA heptamer, hook RNA, and ∼14-nt linear RNA. Here we show that a 14-nt linear-type sgRNA against human miR-16 can guide tRNase ZL cleavage of miR-16 in vitro and can downregulate the miR-16 level in HEK293 cells. We also demonstrate that the 14-nt sgRNA can be efficiently taken up without any transfection reagents by living cells and can exist stably in there for at least 24 hours. The naked 14-nt sgRNA significantly reduced the miR-16 level in HEK293 and HL60 cells. Three other naked 14-nt sgRNAs against miR-142-3p, miR-206, and miR-19a/b are also shown to downregulate the respective miRNA levels in various mammalian cell lines. Our observations suggest that in general we can eliminate a specific cellular miRNA at least by ∼50% by using a naked 14-nt sgRNA on the basis of TRUE gene silencing

Whole School Approach to Health Education in EU Countries and Canada

The purpose of this study is to propose practical suggestions on school health education focusing on trends in the whole school approach to health education in EU countries and Canada. The historical development of health education will be firstly analyzed, and then this paper will move on to an analysis of the ideal and development of the whole school approach to health education, mainly focusing on “school health promotion”. Finally this paper will analyze health education curriculums in France, Germany, Switzerland and Canada, with the practices of school health education in France, Germany and Switzerland being particularly highlighted.本稿は，2016年７月３日に香川大学にて開催された日本カリキュラム学会第27回大会の自由研究発表にて報告した資料をもとに，１．および２．を赤星が，３．を山本が，４（1）・（3）および５．と６．を吉田が，４（2）を高橋が執筆した。なお，本研究はJSPS科研費JP26301039の助成を受けた

MUTYH Gln324His gene polymorphism and genetic susceptibility for lung cancer in a Japanese population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Genetic polymorphisms of DNA repair enzymes in the base excision repair (BER) pathway, may lead to genetic instability and lung cancer carcinogenesis. We investigated the interactions among the gene polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and lung cancer.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed associations among <it>OGG1 </it>Ser326Cys and <it>MUTYH </it>Gln324His gene polymorphisms in relation to lung cancer risk using PCR-RFLP. The study involved 108 lung cancer patients and 121 non-cancer controls divided into non-smokers, smokers according to pack-years smoked in Japanese.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results showed that the <it>MUTYH His/His </it>genotype compared with <it>Gln/Gln </it>genotype showed an increased risk for lung cancer (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.03, confidence interval [95%CI], 1.31–7.00, p = 0.010), whereas there was no significant increase for the <it>Gln/His </it>genotype (adjusted OR 1.35, 95%CI 0.70–2.61, p = 0.376). The <it>MUTYH His/His </it>genotype was at a borderline increased risk for both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (adjusted OR 2.50, 95%CI 0.95–6.62, p = 0.065 for adenocarcinoma; adjusted OR 3.20, 95%CI 0.89–11.49, p = 0.075 for squamous cell carcinoma, respectively). However, the <it>OGG1 Ser/Cys </it>or <it>Cys/Cys </it>genotypes compared with the <it>Ser/Ser </it>genotype did not have significantly increased risk for lung cancer, containing either adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. The joint effect of tobacco exposure and the <it>MUTYH His/His </it>genotype compared with the <it>Gln/Gln </it>genotype showed a significant association with lung cancer risk in smokers, and there was not significantly increased in non-smokers (adjusted OR 3.82, 95%CI 1.22–12.00, p = 0.022 for smokers; adjusted OR 2.60, 95%CI 0.60–11.25, p = 0.200 for non-smokers, respectively). The effect of tobacco exposure and the <it>OGG1 </it>Ser326Cys showed also no significant risk for lung cancer.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our findings suggest that the <it>MUTYH </it>Gln324His polymorphism appear to play an important role in modifying the risk for lung cancer in the Japanese population.</p

Management strategy for acute pancreatitis in the JPN Guidelines

The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on the following findings: (1) acute attacks of abdominal pain and tenderness in the epigastric region, (2) elevated blood levels of pancreatic enzymes, and (3) abnormal diagnostic imaging findings in the pancreas associated with acute pancreatitis. In Japan, in accordance with criteria established by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, the severity of acute pancreatitis is assessed based on the clinical signs, hematological findings, and imaging findings, including abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Severity must be re-evaluated, especially in the period 24 to 48 h after the onset of acute pancreatitis, because even cases diagnosed as mild or moderate in the early stage may rapidly progress to severe. Management is selected according to the severity of acute pancreatitis, but it is imperative that an adequate infusion volume, vital-sign monitoring, and pain relief be instituted immediately after diagnosis in every patient. Patients with severe cases are treated with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, a continuous high-dose protease inhibitor, and continuous intraarterial infusion of protease inhibitors and antimicrobial agents; continuous hemodiafiltration may also be used to manage patients with severe cases. Whenever possible, transjejunal enteral nutrition should be administered, even in patients with severe cases, because it seems to decrease morbidity. Necrosectomy is performed when necrotizing pancreatitis is complicated by infection. In this case, continuous closed lavage or open drainage (planned necrosectomy) should be the selected procedure. Pancreatic abscesses are treated by surgical or percutaneous drainage. Emergency endoscopic procedures are given priority over other methods of management in patients with acute gallstone-associated pancreatitis, patients suspected of having bile duct obstruction, and patients with acute gallstone pancreatitis complicated by cholangitis. These strategies for the management of acute pancreatitis are shown in the algorithm in this article