Localization of Liv2 as an Immature Hepatocyte Marker in EB Outgrowth

The objective of this study was to establish Liv2, a surface marker of mouse immature hepatocytes (hepatoblasts), as a selection tool for embryonic stem (ES) cell–derived immature hepatocytes by acquiring basic data on Liv2 in normal mouse embryos and by confirming Liv2 expression in mouse ES-derived cells. The estimated molecular weight of Liv2 was 4045 kDa, and immunoreactivity was definitively detected in the cell membrane of fetal hepatocytes on embryonic day (E) 9.5, declined gradually until E12.5, and subsequently became undetectable. Liv2 was localized on and close to the cell membrane. Embryoid bodies (EB) were formed from mouse ES cells whose undifferentiated state was confirmed with immunostaining of Nanog by the hanging drop method. A few Liv2-positive cells occurred as a cluster in EB outgrowth on day 7, but only some of these were albumin (ALB)-positive on day 13. These cells had the same pattern of immunoreactivity, i.e., localization on the cell membrane, as immature hepatocytes in the developing liver, although there were other types of cells with a different pattern of immunoreactivity that were seen only as a granular pattern in the cytoplasm and without ALB or the neuronal marker nestin. These results suggest that Liv2 may be useful as a surface marker for immature hepatocytes derived from ES cells. This application would allow for the sole selection of immature hepatocytes and provide a useful tool for regenerative medicine

Ⅱ.Impact assessment for fish and wildlife

金沢大学大学院自然科学研究科　生命科学Editor : Tazaki, Kazue |田崎, 和

Immunological Changes in Mesothelioma Patients and Their Experimental Detection

It is common knowledge that asbestos exposure causes asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma (MM) not only in people who have handled asbestos in the work environment, but also in residents living near factories that handle asbestos. These facts have been an enormous medical and social problem in Japan since the summer of 2005. We focused on the immunological effects of asbestos and silica on the human immune system. In this brief review, we present immunological changes in patients with MM and outline their experimental detection. For example, there is over-expression of bcl-2 in CD4+ peripheral T-cells, high plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, and multiple over-representation of T cell receptor (TcR)-Vß in peripheral CD3+ T-cells found in MM patients. We also detail an experimental long-term exposure T-cell model. Analysis of the immunological effects of asbestos may help our understanding of the biological effects of asbestos

ニホンゴ ノウリョク シケン ブンポウ ノ モンダイ コウモク ブンセキ テイル ノ トワレカタ ト コンナンド トノ カンケイ ニツイテ

日本語能力試験「文法」の問題項目を設定する際、ターゲット、錯乱枝ともにそのレベル相当の文法項目を用いていれば、常にそのレベル相当の問題項目になるとはいえない。例えば、「動詞のテイル形」は、日本語能力試験「文法」の「出題基準」で4級の文法項目とされている。しかし、過去23年分のテイルの問題項目について分析データを参照したところ、4級では難しい問題項目、さらには、3級でも難しい問題項目が見られた。詳しく分析を行ってみると、級ごとに困難度の上がる要因のあることがわかった。具体的には、シカを絡めて問うと4級では難しく、テアル、テオク、自動詞・他動詞、マダ、ガル、タガルを絡めて問うと3級でも難しい問題項目になる。このように、4級の文法項目でも、問い方によって難易度が異なる。文法項目自体のレベル設定だけでなく、問い方によるレベル設定にも留意することで、受験者の能力を的確に測ることができるのではないかと考える。If both targets and distractors use a grammatical item according to the corresponding level when questions for The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test(JLPT)”Grammar” section are set, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the question will always correspond to the level. For instance, ”verb + TEIRU” is assumed to be a grammatical item for Level 4 according to the ”Standard for setting questions” in JLPT’s ”Grammar” section. However, when analysis data over the last 23 years for “verb + TEIRU” was referred to, it became obvious that questions were difficult for not only Level 4 but even for Level 3. After carefully analyzing this situation, it is clear that there is an element involved that raises the degree of difficulty at each level. Specifically, when combined with “SHIKA, ” questions are difficult for Level 4 ; when asking questions combined with “TEARU, ” “TEOKU, ” intransitive verbs, transitive verbs, “MADA,” “GARU” and “TAGARU, ” questions are even difficult for Level 3. In this way, the degree of difficulty differs depending on the way a question is asked even for Level 4 grammatical items. Test takers’ ability should be able to be measured accurately by keeping in mind both the level setting for individual grammatical items as well as the level setting for the way questions are asked

A Qualitative Research on Relation between Transformation of Identity and Incentive on Eating Behavior in Middle-aged Women

2000000407departmental bulletin pape

A Study of Spiritual Commitments to Life of Elderly People in Japan and Germany

2000000407departmental bulletin pape

Abnormally High Levels of Virus-Infected IFN-γ+CCR4+CD4+CD25+ T Cells in a Retrovirus-Associated Neuroinflammatory Disorder

BACKGROUND:Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a human retrovirus associated with both HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), which is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease, and adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). The pathogenesis of HAM/TSP is known to be as follows: HTLV-1-infected T cells trigger a hyperimmune response leading to neuroinflammation. However, the HTLV-1-infected T cell subset that plays a major role in the accelerated immune response has not yet been identified. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Here, we demonstrate that CD4(+)CD25(+)CCR4(+) T cells are the predominant viral reservoir, and their levels are increased in HAM/TSP patients. While CCR4 is known to be selectively expressed on T helper type 2 (Th2), Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells in healthy individuals, we demonstrate that IFN-gamma production is extraordinarily increased and IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and Foxp3 expression is decreased in the CD4(+)CD25(+)CCR4(+) T cells of HAM/TSP patients as compared to those in healthy individuals, and the alteration in function is specific to this cell subtype. Notably, the frequency of IFN-gamma-producing CD4(+)CD25(+)CCR4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells is dramatically increased in HAM/TSP patients, and this was found to be correlated with disease activity and severity. CONCLUSIONS:We have defined a unique T cell subset--IFN-gamma(+)CCR4(+)CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells--that is abnormally increased and functionally altered in this retrovirus-associated inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system