Thrombocytopenia in pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effect and prognostic indicators of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy in thrombocytopenic patients with chronic hepatitis C, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, and those who underwent splenectomy or partial splenic embolization (PSE). METHODS: Of 326 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease (252 with genotype 1b and 74 with genotype 2a/2b) treated with PEG-IFN/RBV, 90 were diagnosed with cirrhosis. RESULTS: Regardless of the degree of thrombocytopenia, the administration rate was significantly higher in the splenectomy/PSE group compared to the cirrhosis group. However, in patients with genotype 1b, the sustained virological response (SVR) rate was significantly lower in the cirrhosis and the splenectomy/PSE groups compared to the chronic hepatitis group. No cirrhotic patients with platelets less than 80,000 achieved an SVR. Patients with genotype 2a/2b were more likely to achieve an SVR than genotype 1b. Prognostic factors for SVR in patients with genotype 1b included the absence of esophageal and gastric varices, high serum ALT, low AST/ALT ratio, and the major homo type of the IL28B gene. Splenectomy- or PSE-facilitated induction of IFN in patients with genotype 2a/2b was more likely to achieve an SVR by an IFN dose maintenance regimen. Patients with genotype 1b have a low SVR regardless of splenectomy/PSE. In particular, patients with a hetero/minor type of IL28B did not have an SVR. CONCLUSIONS: Splenectomy/PSE for IFN therapy should be performed in patients expected to achieve a treatment response, considering their genotype and IL28B

Short-Term Effects of Acupuncture on Open-Angle Glaucoma in Retrobulbar Circulation: Additional Therapy to Standard Medication

Background. The relation between glaucoma and retrobulbar circulation in the prognosis has been indicated. Purpose. To investigate the effects of acupuncture on retrobulbar circulation in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients. Methods. Eleven OAG patients (20 eyes with OAG) who were treated by topical antiglaucoma medications for at least 3 months were enrolled. Acupuncture was performed once at acupoints BL2, M-HN9, ST2, ST36, SP6, KI3, LR3, GB20, BL18, and BL23 bilaterally. Retrobulbar circulation was measured with color Doppler imaging, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was also measured at rest and one hour after rest or before and after acupuncture. Results. The Δ value of the resistive index in the short posterior ciliary artery (P < .01) and the Δ value of IOP (P < .01) were decreased significantly by acupuncture compared with no acupuncture treatment. Conclusions. Acupuncture can improve the retrobulbar circulation and IOP, which may indicate the efficacy of acupuncture for OAG

Do Japanese Style Acupuncture and Moxibustion Reduce Symptoms of the Common Cold?†

We summarize the results from a series of investigations of Japanese style acupuncture and moxibustion therapies on symptoms of the common cold that have been conducted (FTLE 1999–03, supported by the Foundation for Training and Licensure Examination in Anma- Massage- Acupressure, Acupuncture and Moxibustion). We also discuss the various interventions and concerns that we faced during these investigations. The subjects were students and teachers. The pilot study (FTLE1999) of a two arm (real and non-treatment control) RCT at a Japanese acupuncture school showed that manual acupuncture to a specific needling point at the throat clearly reduced symptoms of the common cold. The first multi-center (five centers) RCT (FTLE 2000) revealed a significant reduction in cold symptoms, by general linear model analysis (between groups, P = 0.024). To reduce the technical variation, we employed indirect moxibustion to the neck points as a uniform intervention in the next project (FTLE 2001) without statistically significant results. Then we elongated the periods of treatment from 2 to a maximum of 12 weeks (FTLE 2002) with different interventions accompanied by 4 weeks follow-up. The results were still not statistically significant. As the final project, we tried to develop a new experimental design for individualized intervention by conducting n-of-1 trials using elderly subjects in a health care center but without detecting a clear effect. In conclusion, the safety of Japanese acupuncture or moxibustion was sufficiently demonstrated; however, a series of clinical trials could not offer convincing evidence to recommend the use of Japanese style acupuncture or moxibustion for preventing the common cold. Further studies are required as the present trials had several limitations

Contribution of the Runx1 transcription factor to axonal pathfinding and muscle innervation by hypoglossal motoneurons

The runt-related transcription factor Runx1 contributes to cell type specification and axonal targeting projections of the nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons. Runx1 is also expressed in the central nervous system, but little is known of its functions in brain development. At mouse embryonic day (E) 17.5, Runx1-positive neurons were detected in the ventrocaudal subdivision of the hypoglossal nucleus. Runx1-positive neurons lacked calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression, whereas Runx1-negative neurons expressed CGRP. Expression of CGRP was not changed in Runx1-deficient mice at E17.5, suggesting that Runx1 alone does not suppress CGRP expression. Hypoglossal axon projections to the intrinsic vertical (V) and transverse (T) tongue muscles were sparser in Runx1-deficient mice at E17.5 compared to age-matched wild-type littermates. Concomitantly, vesicular acetylcholine transporter-positive axon terminals and acetylcholine receptor clusters were less dense in the V and T tongue muscles of Runx1-deficient mice. These abnormalities in axonal projection were not caused by a reduction in the total number hypoglossal neurons, failed synaptogenesis, or tongue muscles deficits. Our results implicate Runx1 in the targeting of ventrocaudal hypoglossal axons to specific tongue muscles. However, Runx1 deficiency did not alter neuronal survival or the expression of multiple motoneuron markers as in other neuronal populations. Thus, Runx1 appears to have distinct developmental functions in different brain regions

地域社会における観光デザインに関する実践的研究/有馬温泉及び六甲摩耶山上地区を対象として

神戸市は、有馬温泉及び六甲摩耶山上地区など観光地を有する。しかし、近年双方の観光客は減少の傾向にある。本研究では、前出地区の活性化を目的に本学学生と共に実践的なデザインを行った。また、別府温泉「混浴温泉世界」、九州地区の温泉観光地として、「由布院温泉」及び「黒川温泉」の調査を行った。研究の結果、地域社会との連携方法として、地元の観光地におけるデザインの実践が展開でき、学生たちと共同で行えることが分かった。さらに調査からも観光地におけるアート＆デザインによる活性化を目的とした実践の場があると考えられる。Kobe city has sightseeing spot such as Arima Onsen and Rokko Maya area. However, recently as for both tourists tend to decrease. In this studies, practical design made with the students for the purpose of activation in both sightseeing spots. In addition, we investigated the Beppu Onsen “Mixed Bathing World”, and “Yufuin Onsen” and “Kurokawa Onsen” in the Kyushu District.The result of research, as collaboration method of community, be able to develop the practice of the design in sightseeing spot of local, it was joint with the students and it understood that it can do. Furthermore, we thought that there are place of the practice which designates the activation with Art & Design in sightseeing spots

均衡会話コーパス設計のための一日の会話行動に関する基礎調査

国立国語研究所 理論・構造研究系九州大学国立国語研究所 コーパス開発センター 非常勤研究員九州大学国立国語研究所 時空間変異研究系千葉大学Department of Linguistic Theory and Structure, NINJALKyushu UniversityAdjunct Researcher, Center for Corpus Development, NINJALKyushu UniversityDepartment of Language Change and Variation, NINJALChiba University本稿では，国立国語研究所共同研究プロジェクト「均衡性を考慮した大規模日本語会話コーパス構築に向けた基盤整備」（リーダー：小磯，2014年7月～2015年8月）の活動について報告する。本プロジェクトの目標は，21世紀初頭の日本語母語話者の多様な会話行動を納めた大規模な日本語日常会話コーパスの構築を目指し，その基盤整備として，（1）均衡性を考慮した会話コーパスの設計，（2）種々の日常場面での会話を収録するための方法論，（3）日常会話を適切・効率的に転記するための方法論の策定を進めることである。本稿ではこのうち（1）に焦点を当て，均衡性を考慮したコーパス設計案を策定するために実施した，一日の会話行動の種類と従事時間に関する調査について報告する。調査では，首都圏在住の成人約250人を対象に，起床から就寝までの間に行ったそれぞれの会話について，いつ，どこで，誰と，何をしながら，どのような種類の会話を，どのくらいの長さ行ったか，などを問う調査項目に回答してもらった。その結果，日常会話には以下の傾向が見られることが分かった。（1）雑談や用談・相談が多く，会議・会合や授業・レッスン・講演は少ない。（2）少人数・短時間の会話が多い。（3）自宅や職場・学校など，私的あるいは公的に主たる空間での会話が多い。（4）いくつかの調査項目の間には対応関係が見られる。これらの分析結果にもとづき，均衡性を考慮した日常会話コーパスの設計方針について議論する。In this paper, we report on the activity of a preparatory project to build a large-scale corpus of conversational Japanese (NINJAL collaborative research project, 2014/7/1-2015/8/31). The overall aims of this project are: i) to establish a corpus design for collecting various kinds of everyday conversations in a balanced manner, ii) to develop a methodology of recording naturally occurring conversations, and iii) to create a transcription system suitable for effectively transcribing natural conversations. This report focuses on the first issue of establishing a corpus design. We first describe our survey of everyday conversational behavior, conducted with about 250 Japanese adults last year, in order to reveal how diverse our everyday conversational behavior is, and to build an empirical foundation for corpus design. The questionnaire included when, where, how long, with whom, and in what kind of activity informants were engaged in conversations. We found that ordinary conversations show the following tendencies: i) they mainly consist of chats, business talks, and consultations; ii) in general, the number of participants is small and the duration is short; iii) many conversations are conducted in private places such as homes, as well as in public places such as offices and schools; and iv) some questionnaire items are related to each other. Based on these results, we discuss how to design a balanced corpus of conversational Japanese

高大連携による理工学系デザイン教育カリキュラムの設計と実践/「総合的な学習の時間」のカリキュラム構築

　本研究は、高等学校学習指導要領の柱のひとつでもある「知識・技能の習得と思考力・判断力・表現力等の育成のバランスを重視」という視点に立ち、理工学分野とデザイン・芸術学分野の両側面からアプローチするデザイン教育カリキュラムを策定・実施することを目的としている。　本研究の効果として、以下の点が上げられる。① 高校施設の一貫した活用による、大学教育の体験学習を継続的に行うことができた。また、特別教室を用い、芸術系・工学系の実習制作作業を盛り込むことで、本学の学習環境を高校内でも体験的に実施することができた。② 大学生および卒業生の学習環境への取込により、高校生にとって、大学での学習をより身近に感じることのできる総合学習の時間を用意することができた。また、制作を通じた学生との高校生とのコミュニケーションによって、大学における勉学の具体的なイメージを高校生に知らせることができた。③ 高校での授業時間外において、大学の施設・設備を用いることで、制作に対するより専門的な知識・経験を高校生に提供することができ、高校生のものづくりに対する意識を高めることができた。We received the practice of the 2014 fiscal year, in the present study was to practice the following points.1) Efforts to design and practice of science and engineering-based design education curriculum, practice in order to organize the discussion and curriculum of educational theory research.2) While leveraging a comprehensive knowledge and skills, look back and decision-making, construction of design education curriculum of the method and the like of self-evaluation.3) By curriculum to approach from both sides of the science and engineering and design and art science field, enhance the ability to think from both sides of the statement. By curriculum to approach from both sides of the science and engineering and design and art science field, enhance the ability to think from both sides of the statement and sciences, depending on their own interests, their own aptitude, knowledge and skills that you gave to the body student training to be fulfill the course realization on can be expected

高大連携による理工学系デザイン教育カリキュラムの設計と実践Ⅱ／「総合的な学習の時間」のカリキュラム構築

　本研究は、高等学校学習指導要領の柱のひとつでもある「知識・技能の習得と思考力・判断力・表現力等の育成のバランスを重視」という視点に立ち、理工学分野とデザイン・芸術学分野の両側面からアプローチするデザイン教育カリキュラムを策定・実施することを目的としている。　本研究の効果として、以下の点が上げられる。① 本研究の対象となる総合的な学習において、他大学の実施する講座との横の連携を意識したドキュメンテーションを行うことで、それぞれの講座を受講する高校生に、他の講座への関心を持たせるとともに、総合的な学習全体への理解や関心を高めることができた。② 減災に関わるファッション・プロダクトデザインや、高校の周辺地域の文化・自然資源を活かした講義および実習制作に焦点を絞ることで、地域におけるデザインの役割と、大学においてデザインを学ぶ意味性を高校生に持たせることができた。③ 3 年間の継続研究によって、普通科高校におけるデザイン的指向を持つ、年間を通じた学習プログラムを実施したことにより、地域に根付き、地域の資源を活かしたデザイン教育を実施することで、総合的な学習に適した教育プログラムを構築できた。We have some knowledge as follows:1) We could raise my overall understanding and interest in learning by conducting sentences conscious of sideways collaboration with courses practiced by other universities, students taking each course will be interested in other courses.2) We were able to give high school students the role of design in the area and the meaning of learning design at university.3) Through three years of continuing research, we were able to build an educational program suitable for comprehensive learning by taking root in the community and implementing design education making use of local resources. By curriculum to approach from both sides of the science and engineering and design and art science field, enhance the ability to think from both sides of the statement and sciences, depending on their own interests, their own aptitude, knowledge and skills that you gave to the body student training to be fulfill the course realization on can be expected

六甲山系の自然と地域特性を活かした高大連携授業に関する研究/総合学習の時間を利用したデザインカリキュラム

本研究は、文部科学省における「高等学校と大学との接続における一人一人の能力を伸ばすための連携（高大連携）の在り方について」の指針に基づいて、本校の位置する六甲山系の自然と地域の特性を活かした高大連携授業の在り方について、実践的活動を通して実地検証していくことを目的とした。　総合学習に於いて実施した科目は以下の通りである。講座①：神戸鈴蘭台高校を「計測」する（長濱・宮本）講座②：使いやすい減災グッズ制作（見寺・野口・ばんば）講座③：自然素材を用いた雑貨制作（大田・相澤・佐野・田頭）講座④：テクノ工作（相良・古賀・逸身・向井・見明）講座⑤：高大連携授業のドキュメンテーションと情報発信（曽和）。　本研究の結果、以下の成果を得た。①高等学校における総合学習に組み入れることにより、年間を通じたプロジェクトを推進するカリキュラムを作成することができた。②文部科学省における「高校生に対して、大学レベルの教育研究に触れる機会の促進」をデザイン教育の視点から取り組むことができた。③地域の特性を活用することで、高大連携を主軸とした、地域のデザイン教育活動の活性化を図ることが可能となった。This research had the purpose of verifying integrated study in high school by making use of regional and natural assets of Mt.Rokko through the activities with high school, based on “Cooperation in order to extend the person\u27s ability in connection with the high school and university” by Ministry of education.The subject of integrated study was;(1)“Measurement” of Kobe Suzurandai High School: NAGAHAMA and MIYAMOTO.(2)Making of useful disaster mitigation goods: MITERA, NOGUCHI and BAMBA.(3)Production of living goods used by natural material: OOTA, AIZAWA, SANO and TAGASHIRA.(4)Craft and Computer Programming: SAGARA, KOGA, ITSUMI, MUKAI and MIAKE.We had the results as follows; (1) We could make the curriculum for a year by based on including the integrated study. (2) We could provide the design subject based on the guideline of Ministry of Education. (3) We could activate the design education using by the character of region