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Microbiological activities can be detected in various extreme environments on Earth, which suggest that extraterrestrial environments, such as on Mars, could host life. There have been proposed a number of biomarkers to detect extant life mostly based on specific molecules. Because terrestrial organisms have catalytic proteins (enzymes), enzymatic activity may also be a good indicator to evaluate biological activities in extreme environments. Phosphatases are essential for all terrestrial organisms because phosphate esters are ubiquitously used in genetic molecules (DNA/RNA) and membranes. In this study, we evaluated microbial activity in soils of the Atacama Desert, Chile, by analysing several biomarkers, including phosphatase activity. Phosphatases extracted with Tris buffer were assayed fluorometrically using 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate as a substrate. The horizontal distribution of phosphatase activity and other parameters in soils from the Atacama Desert showed that phosphatase activity was positively correlated with amino acid concentration and colony-forming units and negatively correlated with precipitation amount. We found consistent that biochemical indicators including phosphatase significantly decreased in the extreme hyper-arid zone where rainfall of −1. The results were compared with phosphatase activities detected in extreme environments, such as submarine hydrothermal systems and Antarctic soils, as well as soils from ordinary environments. Overall, our results suggested that phosphatase activity could be a good indicator for evaluating biological activities in extreme environments.

This study examined the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the inflammatory reactions of murine osteoblastic cells cultured on the 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methyl methacrylate (4-META/MMA)-based resin. Superbond CB however, they were suppressed by NAC. Furthermore, PGE2 production in the culture medium was increased in SB, whereas NAC decreased the PGE2 production. NAC lowered the ROS level in the culture medium and significantly increased the intracellular GSH level. The present in vitro study demonstrated that NAC might be effective for dental material detoxification.

This paper presents a review of the space exploration for life signature search with a special focus on the fluorescence microscope we developed for the life signature search on Mars and in other sites. Considering where, what, and how to search for life signature is essential. Life signature search exploration can be performed on the Mars surface and underground, on Venus’ cloud, moon, asteroids, icy bodies (e.g., moons of Jupiter and Saturn), and so on. It is a useful strategy to consider the targeted characteristics that may be similar to those of terrestrial microorganisms, which are microorganisms with uniform spherical or rod structures with approximately 1 μm diameter surrounded by a membrane having a metabolic activity and mainly made of carbon-based molecules. These characteristics can be analyzed by using a fluorescence microscope and a combination of fluorescence pigments with specific staining characteristics to distinguish the microorganism characteristics. Section 1 introduces the space exploration for life signature search. Section 2 reviews the scientific instruments and achievements of past and ongoing Mars exploration missions closely related to astrobiology. Section 3 presents the search targets and analysis of astrobiology. Section 4 discusses the extraterrestrial life exploration methods that use a microscope together with other methods (based on mass spectrometry, morphology, detection of growth, movement, and death, etc. for microscopic and macroscopic organism). Section 5 expounds on the life signature detection fluorescence microscope, for which we have manufactured a bread board model and tested for extraterrestrial life exploration.

In the case of complete luxation with dental trauma, delayed replantation leads to a higher probability of root resorption. We evaluated the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a root canal medication for trauma-associated root resorption. A rat dental trauma model was used. In the test group, mesial root pulpectomy was carried out after tooth extraction. NAC was applied as a root canal medication followed by replantation. We euthanized the rats after two weeks, excised the maxilla, and prepared thin sections, followed by H-E and TRAP staining. Furthermore, RAW264.7 cells were treated with RANKL and NAC. The effects of NAC on osteoclast differentiation were investigated by determining the numbers of osteoclasts and nuclei and quantifying osteoclast-related mRNA expression levels by real-time PCR. The level of root resorption and number of odontoclasts tended to be lower in the NAC groups than in the control group. In terms of osteoclast differentiation, the total number of osteoclasts was lower in both the 5 and 10 mmol/L NAC groups than in the control group. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression levels of RANK, NFATc1, DC-STAMP, CD47, and cathepsin K were lower in the 10 mmol/L NAC group. NAC tended to inhibit root resorption and reduce the number of odontoclasts. NAC also inhibited the expression of osteoclast-related genes. Overall, NAC reduced the number of odontoclasts, inhibited bone resorption, and influenced the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation, fusion, and functions. Therefore, we suggest that NAC may be beneficial in the treatment of root resorption. (C) 2020 Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The detection and analysis of extraterrestrial life are important issues of space science. Mars is among the most important planets to explore for extraterrestrial life, owing both to its physical properties and to its ancient and present environments as revealed by previous exploration missions. In this paper, we present a comparative study of methods for detecting extraterrestrial life and life-related substances. To this end, we have classified and summarized the characteristics targeted for the detection of extraterrestrial life in solar system exploration mission and the methods used to evaluate them. A summary table is presented. We conclude that at this moment (i) there is no realistic single detection method capable of concluding the discovery of extraterrestrial life, (ii) no single method has an advantage over the others in all respects, and (iii) there is no single method capable of distinguishing extraterrestrial life from terrestrial life. Therefore, a combination of complementary methods is essential. We emphasize the importance of endeavoring to detect extraterrestrial life without overlooking possible alien life forms, even at the cost of tolerating false positives. Summaries of both the targets and the detection methods should be updated continuously, and comparative studies of both should be pursued. Although this study assumes Mars to be a model site for the primary environment for life searches, both the targets and detection methods described herein will also be useful for searching for extraterrestrial life in any celestial environment and for the initial inspection of returned samples.

Osteoclasts can sense the surface topography of materials. However, it is difficult to identify the structural factors that affect osteoclast formation and its function. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the type of osteoclast precursor cells also affects osteoclastogenesis in the materials. In this study, we investigated the effects of defined micro/nanoscale patterns on osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow cells (BMCs).Various cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) patterns were prepared using nanoimprinting. The effects of shape, size, and height of the patterns, and the wettability of the patterned surfaces on osteoclastogenesis from BMCs were evaluated in vitro.Osteoclast formation was promoted on pillars (diameter, 1 μm or 500 nm; height, 500 nm). Notably, osteoclastogenesis from BMCs was better promoted on hydrophobic pillars than on hydrophilic pillars. In contrast, decreased osteoclast formation was observed on the nanopillars (diameter, 100 nm; height, 200 nm).We demonstrated the promotion of osteoclast formation from BMCs on hydrophobic pillars with diameters of 1 μm and 500 nm. Some cellular behaviors in the patterns were dependent on the type of osteoclast precursor cells. The designed patterns are useful for designing the surface of dental implants or bone replacement materials with a controllable balance between osteoblast and osteoclast activities.

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are mesenchymal stem cells with multipotent differentiation potential present in the dental pulp tissue of the deciduous teeth. SHED produce secretions that have immunomodulatory and regenerative functions. In the present study, we investigated the effects of SHED-conditioned medium (SHED-CM) on osteopenia induced by the ovariectomy (OVX) phenotype and its corresponding immunological changes. Eleven-week-old female C3H/HeJ mice were subjected to OVX. SHED-CM was administered intraperitoneally in these mice for 4 weeks starting immediately after OVX. SHED-CM improved bone mass after OVX and elevated the polarization of M2 macrophages in the peritoneal cavity. SHED-CM also suppressed an OVX-induced increase in interferon-γ (INF-γ) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) concentrations in the peripheral blood. Inhibition of M2 macrophage polarization with neutralizing antibodies did not reduce the concentration of IFN-γ and IL-17 in peripheral blood, which were increased by OVX, and did not alleviate osteopenia induced by the OVX phenotype. Mechanistically, these findings suggest that SHED-CM alleviates bone resorption by suppressing the activation of IFN-γ and IL-17 cells by polarizing M2 macrophages. In conclusion, our data indicate that SHED-CM contains active secretions that may have promising efficacy to ameliorate OVX-induced osteopenia. We suggest that SHED-CM has the potential to be used as a novel therapeutic agent to inhibit osteoporosis.

Due to circumstances beyond the presenter's control, an audio recording was not possible for this presentation.

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2)-associated syndrome (SAS) is characterized by alterations of SATB2. Its clinical features include intellectual disability and craniofacial abnormalities, such as cleft palate, dysmorphic features, and dental abnormalities. Here, we describe three previously undiagnosed, unrelated patients with SAS who exhibited dental abnormalities, including multiple odontomas. Although isolated odontomas are common, multiple odontomas are rare. Individuals in families 1 and 3 underwent whole-exome sequencing. Patient 2 and parents underwent targeted amplicon sequencing. On the basis of the hg19/GRCh37 reference and the RefSeq mRNA NM_001172517, respective heterozygous mutations were found and validated in Patients 1, 2, and 3: a splice-site mutation (chr2:g.200137396C > T, c.1741-1G > A), a nonsense mutation (chr2:g.200213750G > A, c.847C > T, p.R283*), and a frame-shift mutations (chr2:g.200188589_200188590del, c.1478_1479del, p.Q493Rfs*19). All mutations occurred de novo. The mutations in Patients 1 and 3 were novel; the mutation in Patient 2 has been described previously. Tooth mesenchymal cells derived from Patient 2 showed diminished SATB2 expression. Multiple odontomas were evident in the patients in this report; however, this has not been recognized previously as a SAS-associated phenotype. We propose that multiple odontomas be considered as an occasional manifestation of SAS.

This study investigates the significance of the expression and dynamics of podoplanin in mechanostress and mineralization in cultured murine osteoblasts. Podoplanin increased in osteoblasts subjected to straining in non-mineralization medium, suggesting that the mechanostress alone is a podoplanin induction factor. In osteoblasts subjected to vertical elongation straining in the mineralization medium, the mRNA amounts of podoplanin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin were significantly larger than those in cells not subjected to straining, suggesting that mechanostress is the cause of a synergistic effect in the expression of these proteins. In osteoblasts in the mineralization medium, significant increases in osteocalcin mRNA occurred earlier in cells subjected to straining than in the cells not subjected to straining, suggesting that the mechanostress is a critical factor to enhance the expression of osteocalcin. Western blot and ELISA analysis showed increased podoplanin production in osteoblasts with longer durations of straining. There was significantly less mineralization product in osteoblasts with antibodies for podoplanin, osteopontin, and osteocalcin. There was also less osteopontin and osteocalcin produced in osteoblasts with anti-podoplanin. These findings suggest that mechanostress induces the production of podoplanin in osteoblasts and that podoplanin may play a role in mineralization in cooperation with bone-associated proteins.

著者人数: 13名, Accepted: 2017-10-12, 資料番号: SA1180309000

本研究の目的は､関連した文献から1)ｻｯｶｰ選手の血清脂質およびﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質に関する横断的研究を食事や栄養素等摂取量､肥満､喫煙､ｱﾙｺｰﾙ摂取量､月経周期､競技ﾎﾟｼﾞｼｮﾝなどの潜在的な交絡因子を含めて検討し､2)90分間のｻｯｶｰ競技の血清脂質およびﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質に対する急性効果､3)競技者やﾚｸﾘｴｰｼｮﾝとして行っている者の定期的なｻｯｶｰﾄﾚｰﾆﾝｸﾞが血清脂質およびﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質に対する効果につい検討することである｡ｻｯｶｰ選手の血中脂質における最も一致した見解は､高比重ﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸｺﾚｽﾃﾛｰﾙ(HDL-C)が対照群よりも高値を示すことである｡血中脂質およびﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質における90分間のｻｯｶｰの試合の急性効果に関する研究では､特に血漿量の変化を補正する必要がある｡定期的なｻｯｶｰﾄﾚｰﾆﾝｸﾞを行えば､異なる年齢層において総ｺﾚｽﾃﾛｰﾙ､ﾄﾘｸﾞﾘｾﾘﾄﾞ､低比重ﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸｺﾚｽﾃﾛｰﾙ(LDL-C)を減少させ､HDL-C を増加させることができる｡訓練していない男女のﾚｸﾘｴｰｼｮﾝとしてのｻｯｶｰﾄﾚｰﾆﾝｸﾞにおける血中脂質への効果に関する最も一致した見解は､LDL-C および/または LDL-C/ HDL-C 比が低下することである｡ｻｯｶｰ選手における血中脂質およびﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質の変化は､ﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質ﾘﾊﾟｰｾﾞ､ﾚｼﾁﾝ:ｺﾚｽﾃﾛｰﾙｱｼﾙﾄﾗﾝｽﾌｪﾗｰｾﾞおよび肝性ﾘﾊﾟｰｾﾞの活性ﾚﾍﾞﾙの変化によるものである可能性が考えられる｡ｻｯｶｰ選手における今後の研究は､血中脂質およびﾘﾎﾟﾀﾝﾊﾟｸ質が変化するﾒｶﾆｽﾞﾑに向けられる必要がある｡これらの研究では特に知見が不足している女性や青年､若年成人に焦点を当てるべきである｡, The purpose of this study was to review the related literature to examine: 1) cross-sectional studies on serum lipids and lipoproteins in soccer players in the context of the potentially confounding factors such as dietary and nutritional intakes, obesity, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, menstrual cycle, and playing positions in soccer, 2) acute effects of 90-min soccer match, and 3) effects of regular soccer training on lipid parameters in competitive and recreational soccer players. The most consistent observation regarding cross-sectional studies on lipid profile in soccer players is significantly higher high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) than the controls. Research on the acute effects of 90-min of soccer match on the blood lipids and lipoproteins needs further attention, particularly it should correct plasma volume shifts. Participation in regular soccer training could decrease total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increase HDL-C in soccer players of different age groups. The most consistent observation regarding effects of recreational soccer training on lipid profile in both untrained men and women is significantly lowered LDL-C and / or LDL-C / HDL-C ratio. The changes in lipids and lipoproteins in soccer players could be caused by changes in activity levels of lipoprotein lipase, lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase, and hepatic lipase. Future research investigating blood lipids and lipoproteins in soccer players should direct research towards the underlying mechanisms for changes in blood lipids and lipoproteins. These studies should, in particular, focus on women, adolescents and young adults since there is a paucity of information in the literature in this area.

Bone is maintained by a balance between bone formation and resorption. This remodeling is controlled by a wide variety of systemic and local factors including hormones, cytokines and mechanical stresses. The present in vitro study examined the impact of medium volume, using 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 ml/well in a 24-well plate, on the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. There were no differences in the alkaline phosphatase activity of osteoblasts amongst the groups; however, the area of mineral deposition was decreased in a media volume-dependent manner. A co-culture of osteoblastic cells with bone marrow cells revealed a reduction in the total number of osteoclastic tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinuclear cells (>= 2 nuclei), whereas the formation of large osteoclastic TRAP-positive multinuclear cells (>= 8 nuclei) was increased, in a media volume-dependent manner. There were also no differences in receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand mRNA and total osteoprotegerin (OPG) protein expression levels amongst the groups, however the concentration of OPG decreased in a media volume-dependent manner. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the suppression of mineralization in osteoblastic cells and the stimulation of osteoclast fusion are dependent on the medium volume, indicating that media volume is an important factor in in vitro cell culture systems.

Bone remodeling is an important factor in orthodontic tooth movement. During orthodontic treatment, osteoclasts are subjected to various mechanical stimuli, and this promotes or inhibits osteoclast differentiation and fusion. It has been previously reported that the release from tensile force induces osteoclast differentiation. However, little is known about how release from compressive force affects osteoclasts. The present study investigated the effects of release from compressive force on osteoclasts. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) -positive multinucleated osteoclasts derived from RAW264.7 cells was counted, and gene expression associated with osteoclast differentiation and fusion in response to release from compressive force was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Osteoclast number was increased by optimal compressive force application. On release from this force, osteoclast differentiation and fusion were suppressed. mRNA expression of NFATc1 was inhibited for 6 h subsequent to release from compressive force. mRNA expression of the other osteoclast-specific genes, TRAP, RANK, matrix metalloproteinase-9, cathepsin-K, chloride channel 7, ATPase H+ transporting vacuolar proton pump member I, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein and osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) was significantly inhibited at 3 h following release from compressive force compared with control cells. These findings suggest that release from optimal compressive force suppresses osteoclast differentiation and fusion, which may be important for developing orthodontic treatments.

Though Mars is a cold and dry planet now, Mars would have harbored a large amount of liquid water on the surface early in its history. Mars could have been similar to the early Earth from which life arose 4 billion years ago, and life may have also emerged on Mars during this period. Although the Viking mission in 1976, which explored life on Mars, did not find evidence for life, many findings associated with the possibility of life have been discovered since the Viking mission: past and present aqueous environments, organic compounds, methane, reduced compounds suitable for microorganism energy sources, and so on. These findings suggest that life might exist on Mars. Habitable environments may be deep subsurface, but it may also be on or near the surface where physical and chemical conditions on which even terrestrial microorganisms to survive are found. Life detection instruments have been developed since the Viking mission. Traces or existence of Martian life might be found by future exploration.

The Ninth Symposium on Polar Science/Ordinary sessions: [OB] Polar biology, Wed. 5 Dec. / Entrance Hall (1st floor), National Institute of Polar Research

Clostridium tagluense strain A121T was isolated from a permafrost core in the Canadian High Arctic. This endospore-forming strain is a strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive, and psychrotolerant bacterium., Clostridium tagluense strain A121T was isolated from a permafrost core in the Canadian High Arctic. This endospore-forming strain is a strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive, and psychrotolerant bacterium. This article describes the draft genome sequence of C. tagluense strain A121T.

The present study investigated the effect of the natural polyphenols, rosmarinic acid and arbutin, on osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264.7 cells. Rosmarinic acid and arbutin suppressed osteoclast differentiation and had no cytotoxic effect on osteoclast precursor cells. Rosmarinic acid and arbutin inhibited superoxide production in a dose-dependent manner. mRNA expression of the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis, nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and the osteoclast marker genes, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and cathepsin-K, decreased following treatments with rosmarinic acid and arbutin. Furthermore, resorption activity decreased with the number of osteoclasts. These results suggest that rosmarinic acid and arbutin may be useful for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, through mechanisms involving inhibition of superoxide and downregulation of NFATc1.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the nutrient intake and body composition of elite Japanese karate practitioners. Methods: Four world champion karate practitioners volunteered as follows: a male kata (forms: pre-established sequences of defensive and offensive techniques and movements) (case 1), a male sparring (case 2), a female kata (case 3), and a female sparring (case 4). Percentage of body fat, fat mass and lean body mass were evaluated using a bioelectric impedance analyzer. Nutrient intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Results: In both male and female athletes, a lower percentage of body fat and higher body height, heavier weight, and lean body mass were found in the sparring practitioners than the kata athletes. None of the athletes took supplements. Each athlete’ diet was modified to increase or maintain Lean body mass. Because all athletes did not reach the recommended dietary allowances for certain vitamins and minerals, we recommended increasing intake levels of vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products in order to increase micronutrient intakes. Conclusion: The world karate champions representing Japan have a very low percentage of body fat, especially sparring athletes. The athletes became aware of the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Most published data on the physical and physiological profiles of karate athletes is based on studies of male athletes and data on female athletes is rare. The purposes of this study were: 1) to collect baseline data on nutrient intake in order to advise athletes regarding nutrition practices that may enhance performance, and 2) to compare nutrient intake of elite and collegiate karate athletes. Thirtyfive female black belt karate athletes volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided into 2 groups: 20 athletes who were members of the national team (elite athletes) and 15 collegiate karate athletes (collegiate athletes). The elite athletes showed significantly higher mean lean body mass and significantly lower body fat and fat mass than the collegiate athletes. The elite athletes showed significantly higher energy intake and more nutrient intakes than the collegiate athletes. There were no significant differences in diet compositions between the elite and collegiate athletes. The elite athletes showed all micronutrient intakes were above 100% of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) or Adequate Intake (AIs), whereas the collegiate athletes showed micronutrient intakes below 100% of the EAR or AIs for potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A and C. Thus, we advised collegiate athletes to consume adequate amounts of carbohydrates and protein. To attain these goals, it is desirable to increase the amount of meals by increasing the intake levels of grains, vegetables, fruit, milk and dairy products, lean meat and fish.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exhibit several divergent biological effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of indomethacin on melanin synthesis using B16F1 melanoma cells. Indomethacin inhibited α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-enhanced melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting analysis revealed that indomethacin significantly suppressed tyrosinase and Mitf protein levels. In a luciferase reporter assay, we found that indomethacin reduced tyrosinase promoter activity. Moreover, real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that indomethacin lowered mRNA levels of melanogenic genes, including Mitf. Together, our findings indicate that indomethacin inhibits melanogenesis via the suppression of Mitf transcription.

本研究の目的は､ﾄｯﾌﾟﾚﾍﾞﾙの大学空手道選手を男女別に分類し､栄養素等摂取状況､身体的特徴について検討することである｡対象はN大学空手道部員22名(男子13名､女子9名)と習慣的な運動を有さない男女大学生27名(男子7名､女子20名)である｡空手群はｺﾝﾄﾛｰﾙ群に比較して､男女共に body mass index(BMI)と除脂肪量(LBM)が有意に高く､女子群は身長､体重､体脂肪量､腹囲も有意に高かった｡適正量に対する栄養素等摂取量の割合は､女子群がﾋﾞﾀﾐﾝ B1､B2 を除いて適正量を満たしておらず､男子群においてはどの項目も満たしていなかった｡肉類以外のたんぱく質源(豆類､魚介類､卵類)は､それぞれの目標量を50%も満たしておらず､たんぱく質源の摂取に偏りがみられた｡, The aim of this study was to examine the nutrient intake and anthropometric characteristics of top-class university karate athletes by gender. The study involved 22 karate athletes(13 men and 9 women)who participated in N university student karate club and 27 university students(7 men and 20 women)without exercise habits. Both men and women in the karate group had a significantly higher body mass index(BMI)and lean body mass(LBM)than those in the control group, and the female athletes had a significantly greater height, body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference than their counterparts. When examined as a percentage of the dietary reference intake(DRI), nutrient intake of the female athletes did not meet the DRIs for all nutrients except for vitamins B1 and B2, while the male athletes failed to achieve the DRIs for all nutrients. These athletes had less than 50% of the target intake of non-meat protein sources(beans, fish/seafood, and eggs), indicating an unbalanced intake of different sources of protein.

本研究の目的は､全日本空手道連盟ﾅｼｮﾅﾙﾁｰﾑ所属選手の合宿中の栄養素等摂取状況について検討することである｡対象は合宿に参加した選手45名である｡被検者を男子組手群20名と形群7名､女子組手群11名と形群7名の4群に分けた｡4群の PFC 比(P:たんぱく質､F:脂質､C:炭水化物に対するｴﾈﾙｷﾞｰ比率)の範囲は､たんぱく質ｴﾈﾙｷﾞｰ比が11.9±1.3～13.2±1.1%､脂質ｴﾈﾙｷﾞｰ比が28.5±4.8～29.3±3.3%､炭水化物ｴﾈﾙｷﾞｰ比が56.6±3.3～58.8±4.3%であった｡炭水化物とたんぱく質の平均摂取量は､推奨されている値と比較すると適切であった｡ﾋﾞﾀﾐﾝとﾐﾈﾗﾙの摂取量を増加させるために我々は､乳･乳製品､緑黄色野菜､淡色野菜の摂取を増加させることを勧めた｡, The purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on nutrient intake of elite Japanese karate players during training camp. The subjects were 27 men and 18 women who were members of the national team in Japan. They were divided into 4 groups:20 men's sparring(M-Spar Group), 7 men's kata(M-Kata Group), 11 women's sparring(W-Spar Group), 7 women's kata(W-Kata Group). The percentage of energy from protein ranged from 11.9±1.3～13.2±1.1%, 28.5±4.8～29.3±3.3% from fat, 56.6±3.3～58.8±4.3% from carbohydrates. The mean carbohydrate and protein intakes were adequate in comparison with the respective recommended targets. To increase mineral and vitamin intakes, we recommended athletes to increase consumptions of milk and dairy products, green and other vegetables.

Titan, the largest satellite of Saturn, has a thick atmosphere containing nitrogen and methane. A variety of organic compounds have been detected in the atmosphere, most likely produced when atmospheric gases are exposed to ultraviolet light, electrons captured by the magnetosphere of Saturn and cosmic rays. The Cassini/Huygens probe showed that the average temperature on the surface of Titan is 93.7 K, with lakes of liquid ethane and methane. Sub-surface mixtures of liquid ammonia and water may also be present. We have synthesized complex organic compounds (tholins) by exposing a mixture of nitrogen and methane to plasma discharges, and investigated their interactions with several different liquids that simulate Titan's liquidosphere. We found that coacervates formed when tholins were extracted in non-polar solvents followed by exposure to aqueous ammonia solutions. The results suggest that coacervates can self-assemble in Titan's liquidosphere which have the potential to undergo further chemical evolution. Similar processes are likely to occur in the early evolution of habitable planets when tholin-like compounds undergo phase separation into microscopic structures dispersed in a suitable aqueous environment.

In this study, we examined the effect of forced mastication on neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of adult mice. Six-week-old mice were subjected to either a hard or normal diet for 13 weeks. They received a daily injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) for 12 consecutive days beginning at 14 weeks of age. The number of BrdU-positive cells in the DG was counted 1 day after and 5 weeks after the final BrdU injection. The number of BrdU-positive cells 1 day after injection did not differ between the 2 diet groups. However, the number of BrdU-positive cells in the group fed the hard diet was significantly increased 5 weeks after BrdU injection compared to the group fed the normal diet. The results of the Morris water maze test showed that mice fed a hard diet required significantly less time to reach the platform than the control mice when tested at 10 days. Moreover, mice in the group fed the hard diet spent significantly more time in the former platform area than the group fed the normal diet, indicating that hard diet feeding improved spatial memory compared to normal diet feeding. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of glutamate receptor 1 mRNA was significantly increased in the group fed the hard diet compared with the group fed the normal diet. These results suggest that mastication increases the survival of adult neural stem cells in the hippocampal DG.

Antibiotic resistance genes are biologically transmitted from microorganism to microorganism in particular micro-environments where dense microbial communities are often exposed to an intensive use of antibiotics, such as intestinal microflora, and the soil microflora of agricultural fields. However, recent studies have detected antibiotic-resistant bacteria and/or antibiotic resistance genes in the natural environment geographically isolated from such areas. Here we sought to examine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in 54 snow and ice samples collected from the Arctic, Antarctic, Central Asia, North and South America and Africa, to evaluate the level of these genes in environments supposedly not affected by anthropogenic factors. We observed a widespread distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in samples from various glaciers in Central Asia, North and South America, Greenland and Africa. In contrast, Antarctic glaciers were virtually free from these genes. Antibiotic resistance genes, of both clinical (i.e. aac(3), blaIMP) and agricultural (i.e. strA and tetW) origin, were detected. Our results show regional geographical distribution of antibiotic resistance genes, with the most plausible modes of transmission through airborne bacteria and migrating birds.

Many of the published data on the lipid profile of athletes is based on studies of endurance athletes. The data on soccer players are rare. The purpose of this study was to examine serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in collegiate soccer players. 31 well-trained male collegiate soccer players were divided into 2 groups: 16 defenders and 15 offenders. They were compared with 16 sedentary controls. Dietary information was obtained with a food frequency questionnaire. The subjects were all non-smokers and were not taking any drug known to affect the lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. The offenders had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I than the defenders and controls, whereas the defenders had the significantly higher high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol than the controls. Both groups of athletes had significantly higher lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity than the controls. The results indicate that favorable lipid and lipoprotein profile could be obtained by vigorous soccer training.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of mechanical treatment, namely, nanometer smoothing (Ra: approximately 2.0 nm) and sandblasting (Ra: approximately 1.0 μm), as well as biochemical treatment, namely, fibronectin immobilization, of a titanium surface on osteoblast-like cell behavior. Cell proliferation was monitored by measurements of DNA content and ALP activity; osteocalcin production and mineralization behavior were also evaluated, in addition to morphological observation of attached cells. Fibronectin could be immobilized by the tresyl chloride-activation method. A sandblasted surface resulted in significantly more DNA than a nanometer-smooth surface, but fibronectin immobilization did not result in a significant increase of DNA at 52 days of cell culture. The nanometer-smooth surface showed highest ALP activity and osteocalcin production. FN immobilization decreased ALP activity for the nanometer-smooth surface, but increased it for the sandblasted surface. The nanometer-smooth surface also showed the highest osteocalcin production. Scanning electron microscopy showed interesting phenomena of the attached cells. Attached cell area was more rapidly increased on the nanometer-smooth surface than on the sandblasted surface. It was suggested that cultured cells on the nanometer-smooth surface began to spread earlier and that the proportion of spreading cells among total attached cells increased sooner on the nanometer-smooth surface than on the sandblasted rough surface. It appeared that FN immobilization influenced the arrangement of attached cells. In conclusion, the nanometer-smooth surface employed in the present study was beneficial for the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. FN immobilization influenced the morphologies of attached cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 2012.

本稿は空手道選手の身体的特徴､空手道練習中の生理学的反応､ｴﾈﾙｷﾞｰ消費量､METs､そして空手道の運動効果について検討した｡空手道の競技選手は有酸素能力では無酸素性作業能の範囲内であった｡平均体脂肪率は､非活動的な対照者よりも低く､除脂肪体重が高かった｡空手道のﾄﾚｰﾆﾝｸﾞ強度は中程度であったが､70分間の練習中の平均ｴﾈﾙｷﾞｰ消費量と METs は､男性が 563kcal と 7.9METs､女性が 268kcal と 5.2METs であった｡10週間の30分間の空手道基本練習は､非活動的な女子大生の最大酸素摂取量を増加させることができる｡ほとんどの空手道の研究は成人を対象としているので､これからの研究は子供を対象として､空手道練習の効果について検討する必要がある｡, This study reviews physical characteristics, physiologic responses during karate exercises, energy expenditure and METs of karate exercises, and effects of karate exercises. Competitive karate practitioners are within the range of non-endurance athletes in aerobic capacity. Their mean percentage of body fat was lower and lean body mass was higher relative to the sedentary controls. Although the training intensity of karate exercises was moderate, the mean energy expenditure and METs for the 70-min practice was 563kcal and 7.9METs for men and 268kcal and 5.2METs for women. The chronic effects of practicing 30min of basic karate exercises for 10 weeks can increase maximal oxygen uptake in sedentary collegiate women. Because most karate studies have used adult practitioners, future studies need to investigate chronic effects of various karate exercises in children.

Although cells derived from periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue are reported to have stem cell-like activity and are speculated to play a crucial role for tissue healing and regeneration after injury or orthodontic treatment, mechanisms regulating their recruitment and activation remain unknown. Recently, stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) has been reported to be important for stem cell homing and recruitment to injured sites. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) affects the expression of SDF-1α in PDL cells derived from human permanent teeth in vitro. Using real-time PCR, the expression of SDF-1α mRNA in PDL cells was inhibited by treatment with 10 ng/ml FGF-2. When PDL cells were treated with SU5402 (an inhibitor of FGF receptor 1) in combination with FGF-2, the FGF-2-reduced expression of SDF-1α was inhibited. In the presence of the JNK inhibitor SP600125, SDF-1α mRNA in PDL cells was not suppressed by the FGF-2 treatment. Western blot analysis also showed that SDF-1α production was suppressed by treatment with FGF-2, but it recovered with treatment by FGF-2 + SU5402. These findings suggest that SDF-1α from PDL cells plays an important role in the regeneration and homeostasis of periodontal tissues via the recruitment of stem cells.

Viable bacterial communities on the surface of Gulkana Glacier (Alaska) were investigated using a cultivation method. Viable bacteria were isolated using R2A, diluted-R2A (DR2A), LB, diluted-LB (DLB), and xylose agar at 4, 15 and 25 °C. The highest number of colony-forming units (CFU) was observed on DR2A agar plates at 4 °C, ranging from 10 4 –10 5 CFU mL −1 . A collection of 234 morphologically distinct isolates was obtained in total. The glacial snow and ice sample was dominated by Betaproteobacteria (97 isolates) and Gammaproteobacteria (87 isolates). The bacterial communities were examined by amplifying 16S rRNA genes from the isolates, and 34 phylotypes with >99% similarities were obtained. Of these phylotypes, 26 (76.5%) were similar to those phylotypes found in bacteria that were previously recorded from cold environments. Five of the phylotypes appeared in the clone library of a previous independent cultivation study, corresponding with 6.5% in the clone library. Our results suggest that cold environments harbor common phylotypes of culturable bacteria, which could possibly lead to a better understanding of bacterial diversity on glaciers in combination with molecular studies.

著者人数: 21人, Number of authors: 21, 資料番号: PA1010098000

Modulation of the physiologically influential Na(+),K(+)-ATPase is a complex process involving a wide variety of factors. To determine the possible effects of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors dephostatin and Et-3,4-dephostatin on human and pig, renal cells and enzymatic extracts, we treated our samples (15 min-24 h) with those PTP inhibitors (0-100 microM). PTP inhibitors were found to possess a concentration-dependent inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in both human and pig samples. The inhibition was similarly demonstrated on all cellular, microsomal fraction and purified Na(+),K(+)-ATPase levels. Despite rigorous activity recovery attempts, the PTP inhibitors' effects were sustained on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. Western blotting experiments revealed the expression of both alpha(1)- and beta(1)-subunits in both human and pig tissues. alpha(1)-Subunits possessed higher tyrosine phosphorylation levels with higher concentrations of PTP inhibitors. Meanwhile, serine/threonine residues of both alpha(1)- and beta(1)-subunits demonstrated diminished phosphorylation levels upon dephostatin treatment. Accordingly, we provide evidence that Na(+),K(+)-ATPase can be regulated through tyrosine phosphorylation of primarily their alpha(1)-subunits, using PTP inhibitors.