Skin irritation testing using human iPSCs derived 3D skin equivalent model.

Artificial skin models have emerged as valuable tools for evaluating cosmetic ingredients and developing treatments for skin regeneration. Among them, 3D skin equivalent models (SKEs) using human primary skin cells are widely utilized and supported by standardized testing guidelines. However, primary cells face limitations such as restricted donor availability and challenges in conducting genotype-specific studies.

Assessment of Low-Dose rhBMP-2 and Vacuum Plasma Treatments on Titanium Implants for Osseointegration and Bone Regeneration.

This study evaluated the effects of low-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) coating in combination with vacuum plasma treatment on titanium implants, aiming to enhance osseointegration and bone regeneration while minimizing the adverse effects associated with high-dose rhBMP-2. In vitro analyses demonstrated that plasma treatment increased surface energy, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, it facilitated sustained rhBMP-2 release by enhancing protein binding to the implant surface.

Hysteresis of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter: Relevance to the Pathogenesis of Esophageal Achalasia and its Phenotypes.

Hysteresis is a change in strain for a given repeated stress; it is a material property of the viscoelastic tissues. We aimed to determine hysteresis of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) in patients with esophageal achalasia and differences in EGJ hysteresis in different achalasia phenotypes. In a cross-sectional study design, we measured the change in EGJ distensibility index (DI) with repeated distensions (a marker of hysteresis), and the effects of atropine on the DI using functional lumen imaging probe in 40 patients with esophageal achalasia (types 1, 2 and 3).

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography for Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background And Objectives: Left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) reflects a good prognosis in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of contractile reserve on dobutamine stress echocardiography (CR-DSE) for predicting LVRR in patients with IDCM.

Methods: A total of 38 patients with IDCM were enrolled between March 2014 and May 2018.

The prevalence of reasons for tooth extraction in cats.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diseases leading to tooth extraction in a large population of cats and to identify factors associated with each condition, including age, sex, breed, and tooth position.

Methods: All cats underwent a thorough dental examination and full mouth dental radiographs to assess their oral health. Each tooth was classified according to its primary pathological condition, and extraction was performed based on clinical criteria specific to each disease.

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Copine 7-Derived Peptides for Naturally Occurring Periodontitis in Dogs.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of copine7-derived peptide (CPNE7-DP) applied in conjunction with non-surgical dental treatments in improving naturally occurring periodontitis in dogs.

Materials And Methods: This study included 24 client-owned dogs with mild to moderate periodontitis, randomly assigned to three groups: CPNE7-DP; a placebo control group receiving carrier material; and a negative control group left untreated. Experimental agents were applied after professional dental cleaning.

Discovery and development of a safe and efficient COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, STP2104, using a novel capping library screening method.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent a critical avenue for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention. We developed a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine encoding a codon-optimized full-length ancestral spike (S) protein with a signal peptide, which employs our novel patented co-transcriptional 5'-capping reagent, SmartCap. From the screening capping library of SmartCap, an SC101 cap was selected to derive a novel mRNA vaccine, STP2104.

Prevalence and classification of tooth resorption in small-breed dogs: A retrospective study using full-mouth intraoral radiographs.

Tooth resorption (TR) is a clinically significant dental condition in dogs; however, its classification and prevalence, particularly in small breeds, remain understudied despite its impact on quality of life. This retrospective study aimed to assess and classify the types of TR in small-breed dogs and investigate associations between TR and factors such as sex, skull type, body weight, number of missing teeth, TR type, breed, and age. Dental radiographs of 248 dogs weighing less than 15 kg, examined over a three-year period, were included in this study.

Obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: focus on new drugs and future direction in medical treatment.

Obesity is a major risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and contributes through multiple pathophysiological pathways, including systemic inflammation, neurohormonal activation, and mechanical inhibition. The treatment of obesity has shown significant potential for improving HFpEF outcomes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have emerged as effective treatments for improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with HFpEF while aiding in weight control.

Tissue characterization using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Aims: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for tissue characterization offers valuable insights for risk stratification among patients with cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of CMR-based tissue characterization in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

Methods And Results: Retrospective analysis was performed on CMR data from NICM patients before CRT implantation.

Association of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential with myocardial characteristic differences in non-ischemic heart failure.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is an aging process associated with the prognosis in heart failure (HF), regardless of etiology. This study investigated the association between CHIP and myocardial tissue characteristics in patients with non-ischemic HF. We enrolled 95 patients diagnosed with non-ischemic HF with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40 % who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months of diagnosis.

Sequential transcriptome profiling: comparative analysis of normal and canine lymphoma preceding detailed T-cell and B-cell subtype comparison.

Introduction: As the lifespan of companion animals extends, the incidence of tumor also increases. Among these tumors, lymphoma is reported as the most prevalent hematopoietic tumor with a 80-90% prevalence rate. Ongoing research spans multiple domains, aiming to uncover novel therapeutic targets, including small molecular weight inhibitors, antibody treatments, and subtype-specific selective agents.

Prevalence of Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Small- and Medium-Breed Dogs.

As the life span of companion animals increases and their owners' concern for their quality of life increases, interest in dental diseases has also gained attention. While many studies have explored oral diseases in general, research on small-breed dogs remains limited. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed various diseases that led to tooth extraction in small- and medium-breed dogs.

and are robust biomarkers for gingivitis and periodontitis in small dogs.

Introduction: Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases in dogs and humans. It starts with gingivitis, a reversible condition, and progresses to an irreversible condition, periodontitis. Unlike humans, the etiology of periodontal disease in dogs has not been widely studied.

The anti-inflammatory effect of a magnoliae cortex and Zea mays L. extract mixture in a canine model of ligature-induced periodontitis.

Background: Periodontitis is common in dogs. It is characterized by destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth due to the host-immune response triggered by plaque. Magnoliae cortex and Zea mays L.

A Pressure Sensing Device to Assist in Colonoscopic Procedures to Prevent Perforation-A Case Study.

Colonoscopy has a limited field of view because it relies solely on a small camera attached to the end of the scope and a screen displayed on a monitor. Consequently, the quality and safety of diagnosis and treatment depend on the experience and skills of the gastroenterologist. When a novice attempts to insert the colonoscope during the procedure, excessive pressure can sometimes be applied to the colon wall.

Complete genome sequence of a new virus, a tentative member of the family Geminiviridae, infecting hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium) in South Korea.

The family Convolvulaceae comprises approximately 50-60 genera with approximately 1600-1700 species, exhibiting a rich diversity of morphological characteristics and occupying a broad range of ecological habitats. High-throughput sequencing identified a tentative new virus in the family Geminiviridae infecting Calystegia sepium var. japonica in South Korea.

Evaluation of Non-invasive Fat Reduction Using a Resistive Electric Transfer-based Radiofrequency Device With Multi-channel Handpieces.

Background/aim: Various devices for non-invasive body shape correction are being developed along with the growth of the beauty industry. Radiofrequency (RF) can selectively reduce subcutaneous fat without causing skin damage. The efficacy of the procedure can be improved by applying RF to a large area simultaneously with multiple handpieces.

Immunogenicity and Cross-Protection Efficacy of a Genotype F-Derived Attenuated Virus Vaccine Candidate against Mumps Virus in Mice.

Mumps virus (MuV) causes an acute contagious human disease characterized by swelling of the parotid glands. Despite the near elimination of mumps in many countries, the disease has recurred, even in vaccinated populations, especially adolescents. Immunization effectivity of the genotype A vaccine strain Jeryl Lynn (JL) is declining as genotype A is no longer predominant; therefore, a new vaccine strain and booster vaccine are required.

Minimally traumatic extraction of fractured bilateral maxillary canine teeth using a piezoelectric surgical unit in an African lion ().

Importance: Canine extraction of large carnivores can pose significant risk due to extensive tissue damage during aggressive bone reduction. This report highlights a rare instance in which the use of a piezoelectric surgical unit (PSU) for maxillary canine extraction in a large carnivore resulted in successful outcomes with minimal tissue damage.

Case Presentation: A 10-year-old male African lion presented with decreased appetite because of bilateral maxillary canine fractures.

Initial screening for dental abnormalities identified by labial and buccal photographs in dogs and cats.

Objective: To evaluate the dental abnormalities by visually assessing the labial and buccal photographs in dogs and cats and analyze their prevalence based on age and breed.

Animals: 1,096 client-owned dogs and 775 client-owned cats.

Methods: Data were collected from patients who visited 26 private veterinary clinics from January to December 2022.

A comparative analysis of canine pancreatic lipase tests for diagnosing pancreatitis in dogs.

Importance: Early diagnosis of canine pancreatitis is challenging due to non-specific clinical signs. Currently, abdominal ultrasonography and measurement of canine pancreatic lipase (cPL) have been employed for the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Objective: Many qualitative and quantitative commercial cPL tests have been developed and used in veterinary clinics.