Cells In Japan Research Articles

Efficient derivation and banking of clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell lines in accordance with Japanese regulations.

We recently established clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line KthES11 in accordance with current good manufacturing practice standards in Japan. Despite this success, the establishment efficiency was very low at 7.1% in the first period. To establish clinical-grade hESC lines, we used xeno-free chemically defined medium StemFit AK03N with the LM-E8 fragments instead of feeder cells. The protocol was then optimized, especially in the early culture phase. We established five hESC lines (KthES12, KthES13, KthES14, KthES15, and KthES16) with 45.5% efficiency. All five hESC lines showed typical hESC-like morphology, a normal karyotype, pluripotent state, and differentiation potential for all three germ layers. Furthermore, we developed efficient procedures to prepare master cell stocks for clinical-grade hESC lines and an efficient strategy for quality control testing. Our master cell stocks of hESC lines may contribute to therapeutic applications using human pluripotent stem cells in Japan and other countries.

Comparison of the 2021 International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) guidelines for "laboratory-based human stem cell research, embryo research, and related research activities" and the corresponding Japanese regulations.

This paper presents a comparison of the 2021 guidelines for stem cell research and clinical translation outlined by the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) with the current regulations in Japan regarding the performance of such research. This paper provides a convenient English-language summary of the Japanese regulations, and illustrates the difference between the ISSCR guidelines and Japanese regulations regarding the conditions of implementation of study activities using human embryos or stem cells, for researchers outside Japan. The regulations governing the performance of research activities using human embryos or stem cells in Japan are relatively complex and comprise a range of laws and guidelines; the specific rules applied depend on the characteristics of each study. Therefore, even similar research activities may differ in terms of not only the guidelines or laws implemented, but also the procedures required. Such situations may confuse researchers.

Establishment of a keratinocyte and fibroblast bank for clinical applications in Japan.

Regenerative medicine products using allogeneic cells, such as allogeneic cultured epidermis (allo-CE), have become a more critical therapeutic method for the treatment of burns. However, there are no clinically available allo-CE products in Japan. Therefore, establishing a quality-controlled cell bank is mandatory to create regenerative medical products using allogeneic cells. In this study, we selected ten patients from the Department of Plastic Surgery of Kyoto University Hospital to become cell donors. We performed medical interviews and blood sampling for the donor to ensure virus safety. We examined the tissues and isolated cells by performing a nucleic acid test (NAT). To establish a master cell bank, quality evaluation was performed according to the International Conference of Harmonization (ICH) Q5A. Serological tests of the blood samples from the ten donors showed that two of them were ineligible. The cells registered in the cell bank were found to be compatible after virus testing was performed, and a master cell bank was constructed. Hence, we established a keratinocyte and fibroblast bank of clinically usable human cultured cells in Japan for the first time.

Cost-effectiveness analysis in the manufacture of allogeneic human induced pluripotent cells in Japan by agent-based modeling

This work presents a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis in the manufacture of allogeneic human induced pluripotent (hiPS) cells in Japan. A model was developed that can quantify the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of each patient (the effectiveness) and the manufacturing cost of the cells (the cost indicator). Agent-based modeling was applied to consider the individual condition of each patient and to convert the input parameters of disease, annual number of treated patients, treatment mode (e.g., young people prioritized), and treatment period to the output indicators. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, the total manufacturing cost per one DALY was defined as the indicator. The model was then applied to the analysis of allogeneic hiPS cell therapy for three diseases that are undergoing clinical studies in Japan. The results indicated that when the number of treated patients is small, the treatment mode needs to be discussed carefully. Also, the type of supply chain network should be chosen between centralized or distributed considering the cryopreservation tolerance of the cells. To provide the first estimate of cost effectiveness from the manufacturing perspective, the number of required cells and the patient age were suggested as a proxy.

Factors Associated With Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Quality in Japan.

BackgroundUmbilical cord blood (UCB) has become an established alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells with marrow and postmobilization peripheral blood. The presence of a large amount of clots may lead to the deterioration of cord blood quality. To improve UCB quality as a source of hematopoietic stem cells in Japan, we examined factors associated with UCB collection methods from the viewpoint of eliminating the presence of clots.MethodsIn August 2019, we requested the directors of 74 certified facilities to provide information on UCB collection methods in Japan. A total of 46 (62.2%) of them responded with valid information on a total of 2,892 UCB collections. In this study, collected UCB without clots macroscopically was evaluated as a high-quality UCB.ResultsThe 2,891 UCB collections described during the study period were divided to those with (n = 760, 26.3%) and without clots (high quality; n = 2,131, 73.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed single puncture as a factor determining high-quality UCB collection (adjusted odds ratio (ORs): 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3 - 5.4, P = 0.01).ConclusionsSingle puncture is an independent effective factor determining high-quality manual UCB collection in Japan.

Efficiency potential and recent activities of high-efficiency solar cells

Abstract

New Design Concept of Ni‒Doped-Ceria Cermet Anode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Redox-Induced Self-Modification

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising energy conversion systems for the next generation. High-temperature operation of this electrochemical device offers high fuel flexibility as well as high energy conversion efficiency. Currently, methane is widely utilized as the main fuel source for the residential SOFC cogeneration system, and the pre-reformed gas is supplied to the anode chamber. In this case, the anode is requested to be active for the reforming reaction of hydrocarbons as well as the electrochemical oxidation of fuels. The tolerance to carbon deposition is also an important property to provide against accidents of the reforming system because the hydrocarbon will be directly introduced to the anode. Recently, Kubota has reported the strong chemical interaction between Ni and GDC (Gd2O3‒CeO2) for the Ni‒GDC cermet anode in solid oxide fuel cells [1]; CeO2 species migrated on the Ni surface after the exposure to the reducing atmosphere. Generally, such a chemical interaction is promoted by the redox treatment. In this study, then, the influence of redox treatment on the chemical interaction between Ni and doped ceria was studied to design the cermet anode with high tolerance to carbon deposition. The Ni‒GDC cermet subjected to the redox treatment showed high tolerance to carbon deposition in dry methane. Furthermore, the redox treatment did not affect the mechanism of electrochemical hydrogen oxidation in wet hydrogen atmospheres. We also demonstrated the stable power generation of the single cell with the optimized Ni‒GDC anode in a wet methane atmosphere. Acknowledgements This study was supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), CREST. Reference [1] J. Kubota, The 23th Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in Japan, Extended , p34-37 (2014).

Scientific Misconduct and Social Media: Role of Twitter in the Stimulus Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency Cells Scandal.

BackgroundThe academic scandal on a study on stimulus‑triggered acquisition of pluripotency (STAP) cells in Japan in 2014 involved suspicions of scientific misconduct by the lead author of the study after the paper had been reviewed on a peer‑review website. This study investigated the discussions on STAP cells on Twitter and content of newspaper articles in an attempt to assess the role of social compared with traditional media in scientific peer review.ObjectiveThis study examined Twitter utilization in scientific peer review on STAP cells misconduct.MethodsSearches for tweets and newspaper articles containing the term “STAP cells” were carried out through Twitter’s search engine and Nikkei Telecom database, respectively. The search period was from January 1 to July 1, 2014. The nouns appearing in the “top tweets” and newspaper articles were extracted through a morphological analysis, and their frequency of appearance and changes over time were investigated.ResultsThe total numbers of top tweets and newspaper articles containing the term were 134,958 and 1646, respectively. Negative words concerning STAP cells began to appear on Twitter by February 9-15, 2014, or 3 weeks after Obokata presented a paper on STAP cells. The number of negative words in newspaper articles gradually increased beginning in the week of March 12-18, 2014. A total of 1000 tweets were randomly selected, and they were found to contain STAP-related opinions (43.3%, 433/1000), links to news sites and other sources (41.4%, 414/1000), false scientific or medical claims (8.9%, 89/1000), and topics unrelated to STAP (6.4%, 64/1000).ConclusionsThe discussion on scientific misconduct during the STAP cells scandal took place at an earlier stage on Twitter than in newspapers, a traditional medium.

Influence of Resource Allocation in PV Technology Development of Japan on the World and Domestic PV Market

SUMMARYThis paper analyzes influence of resource allocation in R&D of solar cells in Japan. First, it estimates solar cell price in Japan in the case resource allocation for R&D of crystalline silicon solar cells was not significantly reduced, but maintained almost constant level. For the projection, it does not use experience curve, but models technological progress, price reduction, of solar cell in Japan with a variable technology knowledge stock by excluding mass production effects. Second, solar cell prices in other countries are estimated based on their market share in the global solar cell production. The estimated solar cell price in Japan under the assumed resource allocation decreases by about 30% compared to the actual one and it, therefore, could be competitive to the estimated solar cell prices in China and Taiwan. In this case, Japan could maintain its top market share in the global solar cell production several years longer. Instead of the Japan's Feed‐in Tariff with subsidy, net‐metering without subsidy is enough for keeping almost the same internal rate of return of residential PV systems for new and existing houses. This paper will be helpful to cost‐effective R&D planning by a modeling and simulation approach.

Regulations of Regenerative Medicine Including Clinical Application of iPS Cells in Japan

Clinical studies of regenerative medicine using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have recently been performed, especially in Japan. To promote regenerative medicine research using iPS cells, the related laws have been enacted in Japan, leading to the use of other bioresources. Here, we overview the legislation of regenerative medicine. In parallel with this legislation, Kyoto University Hospital and the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) at Kyoto University, Japan, have rapidly established a bioresource stocking system for the purpose of clinical study and therapy using iPS cells. Kyoto University Hospital and CiRA are now preparing for the use of stocked iPS cells and other bioresources based on joint research contracts between Kyoto University and external institutions.

Isolation of avian bornaviruses from psittacine birds using QT6 quail cells in Japan.

Avian bornaviruses (ABVs) were recently discovered as the causative agents of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD). Although molecular epidemiological studies revealed that ABVs exist in Japan, no Japanese isolate has been reported thus far. In this study, we isolated four strains of Psittaciform 1 bornavirus from psittacine birds affected by PDD using QT6 quail cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report to isolate ABVs in Japan and to show that QT6 cells are available for ABV isolation. These isolates and QT6 cells would be powerful tools for elucidating the fundamental biology and pathogenicity of ABVs.

Sprite climatology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

We present statistical analysis of 436 sprites observed in 7 winter campaigns from 2006/7–2012/13. Results show a clear peak in the frequency of sprite detections, with maximum values (<40% of events) between 00:30 and 02:15 LST (22:30–00:15 UT; LST=UT+2). The detection times of sprites are well-correlated with a relative increase in the fraction of +CG strokes, which exhibit maxima between 00:00 and 02:00 LST. The morphological distribution of 339 sprites, that we were able to clearly identify, is dominated by column sprites (49.3%), with angels (33.0%) and carrots (25.7%) being less frequent. This is similar to reports of winter sprites over the Sea of Japan and summer ones in Central Europe. Other shapes such as trees, wishbones, etc. appear quite rarely. Single element events constitute 16.5% of observations, with 83.5% containing 2 elements or more. Clusters of homogenous types are slightly more frequent than mixed ones (55%). Our observations suggest winter Mediterranean thunderstorms to have a vertical structure in between high tropical convective systems and the lower cloud-top cells in Japan. The climatology shows the Eastern Mediterranean to be a major sprite producer in Northern Hemisphere winter, and offers ground-based coverage for future space missions.

日本における宇宙用太陽電池の開発

1．はじめに 人工衛星や宇宙探査機など宇宙機は，特殊なものを除きほぼすべてが太陽電池による電力をエネルギーとしている。宇宙機に用いられる太陽電池は，10年ほど前までは変換効率17%程度の単結晶Si太陽電池が主流であった。しかし近年，電力要求の高まりに伴いIII-V族化合物半導

Perspectives on human clinical trials of therapies using iPS cells in Japan: Reaching the forefront of stem-cell therapies

A research project involving sheets of retinal pigment epithelium constructed from iPS cells derived from patients with age-related maculopathy is one step closer to being approved for clinical trials by the Japanese Government. Now is the time to make therapies using iPS cells clinically available.

The study of regulatory T cells and NKT cells in Japan: a historical perspective

Immune regulation plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis of the immune system. A number of Japanese immunologists have made significant contributions to the elucidation of the mechanisms of immune regulation. In particular, lymphocyte populations that could regulate immune responses-for example regulatory T cells and NKT cells-have been extensively analyzed. Here, we present an overview of research on immune regulation by highlighting the work of several Japanese contributors.

Guidelines for Regenerative Medicine with Stem Cells in Japan

Guidelines for Regenerative Medicine with Stem Cells in Japan

Recent research progress of dye-sensitized solar cells in Japan

Recent results of research and development on dye-sensitized solar cells in Japan will be reviewed. Current main issues are the luck of wide absorption organic dyes and high efficient hole transport layers. To solve the issues, various organic dyes and nano-composite ionic gel electrolytes were developed. In parallel to these, mechanism of charge transport and recombination in the solar cells were investigated. These studies provide several strategies to improve the efficiency and durability of the dye-sensitized solar cells. To cite this article: S. Yanagida, C. R. Chimie 9 (2006).

Present status and future of crystalline silicon solar cells in Japan

Crystalline silicon solar cells show promise for further improvement of cell efficiency and cost reduction by developing process technologies for large-area, thin and high-efficiency cells and manufacturing technologies for cells and modules with high yield and high productivity. In this paper, Japanese activities on crystalline Si wafers and solar cells are presented. Based on our research results from crystalline Si materials and solar cells, key issues for further development of crystalline Si materials and solar cells will be discussed together with recent progress in the field. According to the Japanese PV2030 road map, by the year 2030 we will have to realize efficiencies of 22% for module and 25% for cell technologies into industrial mass production, to reduce the wafer thickness to 50–100 μm, and to reduce electricity cost from 50 Japanese Yen/kWh to 7 Yen/kWh in order to increase the market size by another 100–1000 times.

Activity and current status of R&amp;D on space solar cells in Japan

Japan's Research and Development (R&D) activities on high-performance III–V compound space solar cells are presented. Studies of new CuInGaSe2 thin-film terrestrial solar cells for space applications are also discussed. Performance and radiation characteristics of a newly developed InGaP/GaAs/Ge triple-junction space solar cell, including radiation response, results of a flight demonstration test of InGaP/GaAs dual-junction solar cells and CuInGaSe2 thin-film solar cells, and radiation response of three component sub-cells are explained. This study confirms superior radiation tolerance of InGaP/GaAs dual-junction cells and CuInGaSe2 thin-film cells by space flight experiments. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

582. Detection of Enhanced Serum Antibody Production to Renal Cell Cancer Proteins and Identification of Serological Tumor Antigens in Patients Treated with the GM-CSF-Gene Transduced-Autologous Tumor Vaccines (GVAX®)

Vaccination of GM-CSF-transduced tumor cells (GVAX®) have been demonstrated to induce cellular and humoral immune response to tumors in animal studies as well as human clinical trials. We have recently done clinical trials of GVAX® using autologous renal cell cancer (RCC) cells in Japan. Four out of six advanced RCC who were entered to our clinical gene therapy trial were injected with GVAX. First of all, to examine whether the therapeutic regimen induced antitumor antibody responses in them, we compared the serum antibody reactivity against autologous tumor cell lysates before and after the vaccinations by immunoblot analysis. Using post-therapy serum as probes, high molecular weight proteins of around 250 kDa generated clear signals, whereas the pre-vaccination serum showed no or only weak signals at the same position, suggesting that the gene therapy induced an antibody response in them. In three of them (Cases 2–4), the induction of antibodies immunoreactive with the 250 kDa proteins was significant, while the results were less clear in Case 1. The suspected common antigen was actually demonstrated in both RCC lysates and normal renal cell lysates, and in human lip-derived fibroblasts, but not in H69 lung cancer cells. Furthermore, the changes in the magnitude of the antibody immunoreactivity over time were analyzed using serum from Case 2. The strongest signal was observed in serum obtained at 67 days after the initial vaccination, between the 5th and 6th vaccinations. This response was maintained from day 67 until day 281, just after the 17th vaccination, although it decreased slightly. After the last vaccination, the immunoreactivity remained at a lower level, although it did not disappear completely. Secondly, based on the results of Western blot analysis, we applied SEREX, the serological identification of antigens by recombinant expression cloning, using patient's serum. We constructed RCC cDNA-expression library on lambda phage vector, and screened the plaques with Case 2 serum pooled between days 25 and 80 after the first vaccination. The mRNA source was Case 2 autologous cultured tumor cells. Sequencing analysis of isolated positive clones (twelve in total) revealed some of them were reported as SEREX defined antigen in previous studies but others were not. Recombinant antigen proteins, fused to epitope tags, were expressed in E. coli and the antibody titration of sera from patients or healthy donner is now going on. The identification of the new anti-RCC antigen might cast a new light on the treatment of patients suffered from advanced RCC.