Background: Lac color, a natural red dye derived from the larvae of laccifer lacca kerr, is one of the most commonly used substances in food. To date, no studies have reported on the antigenicity of lac color and the other biomarkers that can determine anaphylactic reactions. To address this, we evaluated the antigenicity of lac color through active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) in addition to identifying potential biomarkers performing exploratory studies. For ASA test, Guinea pigs (n = 5) were sensitized with 0(negative control), 4 mg/kg of lac color, 4 mg/kg of lac color + FCA, and 5 mg/kg of ovalbumin + FCA (positive control) 3 times a week for three weeks. Fourteen days after the last sensi‑ tization, animals were challenged intravenously weekly for two weeks. Hematological and histopathological analyses were performed and compared to control groups. Results: In the ASA test, all lac color groups showed mild symptoms such as nose rubbing, urination, and evacuation, which are insufficient indicators of anaphylaxis. Exploratory studies identified several biomarkers: decreased platelet count, and increased basophil count; distention in the lung, and redness on the inner wall of trachea; mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear, and heart hemorrhage. When these biomarkers were applied to the ASA test of lac color, in comparison to the negative control group, the positive control group (ovalbumin + FCA) showed a significant over 60-fold reduction in platelet count and nearly threefold higher basophil count compared to other groups. Furthermore, only positive control group exhibited full lung distention and severe redness on the inner wall of the trachea. Mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear was about three times higher, and heart hemorrhage was only present in the positive control group compared to others. None of the lac color groups were different from the negative control group (p > 0.05), whereas the positive control group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study concludes that lac color, at the tested concentrations, does not induce antigenicity in the guinea pig model, providing valuable safety data. Furthermore, the biomarkers identified in this study offer a supportive approach to evaluating the immunogenicity of substances in future research.

Background: Lac color, a natural red dye derived from the larvae of laccifer lacca kerr, is one of the most commonly used substances in food. To date, no studies have reported on the antigenicity of lac color and the other biomarkers that can determine anaphylactic reactions. To address this, we evaluated the antigenicity of lac color through active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) in addition to identifying potential biomarkers performing exploratory studies. For ASA test, Guinea pigs (n = 5) were sensitized with 0(negative control), 4 mg/kg of lac color, 4 mg/kg of lac color + FCA, and 5 mg/kg of ovalbumin + FCA (positive control) 3 times a week for three weeks. Fourteen days after the last sensi‑ tization, animals were challenged intravenously weekly for two weeks. Hematological and histopathological analyses were performed and compared to control groups. Results: In the ASA test, all lac color groups showed mild symptoms such as nose rubbing, urination, and evacuation, which are insufficient indicators of anaphylaxis. Exploratory studies identified several biomarkers: decreased platelet count, and increased basophil count; distention in the lung, and redness on the inner wall of trachea; mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear, and heart hemorrhage. When these biomarkers were applied to the ASA test of lac color, in comparison to the negative control group, the positive control group (ovalbumin + FCA) showed a significant over 60-fold reduction in platelet count and nearly threefold higher basophil count compared to other groups. Furthermore, only positive control group exhibited full lung distention and severe redness on the inner wall of the trachea. Mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear was about three times higher, and heart hemorrhage was only present in the positive control group compared to others. None of the lac color groups were different from the negative control group (p > 0.05), whereas the positive control group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study concludes that lac color, at the tested concentrations, does not induce antigenicity in the guinea pig model, providing valuable safety data. Furthermore, the biomarkers identified in this study offer a supportive approach to evaluating the immunogenicity of substances in future research.

Background: Lac color, a natural red dye derived from the larvae of laccifer lacca kerr, is one of the most commonly used substances in food. To date, no studies have reported on the antigenicity of lac color and the other biomarkers that can determine anaphylactic reactions. To address this, we evaluated the antigenicity of lac color through active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) in addition to identifying potential biomarkers performing exploratory studies. For ASA test, Guinea pigs (n = 5) were sensitized with 0(negative control), 4 mg/kg of lac color, 4 mg/kg of lac color + FCA, and 5 mg/kg of ovalbumin + FCA (positive control) 3 times a week for three weeks. Fourteen days after the last sensi‑ tization, animals were challenged intravenously weekly for two weeks. Hematological and histopathological analyses were performed and compared to control groups. Results: In the ASA test, all lac color groups showed mild symptoms such as nose rubbing, urination, and evacuation, which are insufficient indicators of anaphylaxis. Exploratory studies identified several biomarkers: decreased platelet count, and increased basophil count; distention in the lung, and redness on the inner wall of trachea; mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear, and heart hemorrhage. When these biomarkers were applied to the ASA test of lac color, in comparison to the negative control group, the positive control group (ovalbumin + FCA) showed a significant over 60-fold reduction in platelet count and nearly threefold higher basophil count compared to other groups. Furthermore, only positive control group exhibited full lung distention and severe redness on the inner wall of the trachea. Mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear was about three times higher, and heart hemorrhage was only present in the positive control group compared to others. None of the lac color groups were different from the negative control group (p > 0.05), whereas the positive control group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study concludes that lac color, at the tested concentrations, does not induce antigenicity in the guinea pig model, providing valuable safety data. Furthermore, the biomarkers identified in this study offer a supportive approach to evaluating the immunogenicity of substances in future research.

Background: Lac color, a natural red dye derived from the larvae of laccifer lacca kerr, is one of the most commonly used substances in food. To date, no studies have reported on the antigenicity of lac color and the other biomarkers that can determine anaphylactic reactions. To address this, we evaluated the antigenicity of lac color through active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) in addition to identifying potential biomarkers performing exploratory studies. For ASA test, Guinea pigs (n = 5) were sensitized with 0(negative control), 4 mg/kg of lac color, 4 mg/kg of lac color + FCA, and 5 mg/kg of ovalbumin + FCA (positive control) 3 times a week for three weeks. Fourteen days after the last sensi‑ tization, animals were challenged intravenously weekly for two weeks. Hematological and histopathological analyses were performed and compared to control groups. Results: In the ASA test, all lac color groups showed mild symptoms such as nose rubbing, urination, and evacuation, which are insufficient indicators of anaphylaxis. Exploratory studies identified several biomarkers: decreased platelet count, and increased basophil count; distention in the lung, and redness on the inner wall of trachea; mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear, and heart hemorrhage. When these biomarkers were applied to the ASA test of lac color, in comparison to the negative control group, the positive control group (ovalbumin + FCA) showed a significant over 60-fold reduction in platelet count and nearly threefold higher basophil count compared to other groups. Furthermore, only positive control group exhibited full lung distention and severe redness on the inner wall of the trachea. Mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear was about three times higher, and heart hemorrhage was only present in the positive control group compared to others. None of the lac color groups were different from the negative control group (p > 0.05), whereas the positive control group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study concludes that lac color, at the tested concentrations, does not induce antigenicity in the guinea pig model, providing valuable safety data. Furthermore, the biomarkers identified in this study offer a supportive approach to evaluating the immunogenicity of substances in future research.

Background: Lac color, a natural red dye derived from the larvae of laccifer lacca kerr, is one of the most commonly used substances in food. To date, no studies have reported on the antigenicity of lac color and the other biomarkers that can determine anaphylactic reactions. To address this, we evaluated the antigenicity of lac color through active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) in addition to identifying potential biomarkers performing exploratory studies. For ASA test, Guinea pigs (n = 5) were sensitized with 0(negative control), 4 mg/kg of lac color, 4 mg/kg of lac color + FCA, and 5 mg/kg of ovalbumin + FCA (positive control) 3 times a week for three weeks. Fourteen days after the last sensi‑ tization, animals were challenged intravenously weekly for two weeks. Hematological and histopathological analyses were performed and compared to control groups. Results: In the ASA test, all lac color groups showed mild symptoms such as nose rubbing, urination, and evacuation, which are insufficient indicators of anaphylaxis. Exploratory studies identified several biomarkers: decreased platelet count, and increased basophil count; distention in the lung, and redness on the inner wall of trachea; mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear, and heart hemorrhage. When these biomarkers were applied to the ASA test of lac color, in comparison to the negative control group, the positive control group (ovalbumin + FCA) showed a significant over 60-fold reduction in platelet count and nearly threefold higher basophil count compared to other groups. Furthermore, only positive control group exhibited full lung distention and severe redness on the inner wall of the trachea. Mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltration (MICI) in the ear was about three times higher, and heart hemorrhage was only present in the positive control group compared to others. None of the lac color groups were different from the negative control group (p > 0.05), whereas the positive control group was significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our study concludes that lac color, at the tested concentrations, does not induce antigenicity in the guinea pig model, providing valuable safety data. Furthermore, the biomarkers identified in this study offer a supportive approach to evaluating the immunogenicity of substances in future research.

BACKGROUND: Corneal scarring or disease may lead to severe corneal opacification and consequently, severe loss of vision due to the complete loss of corneal epithelial cells. We studied the use of epithelial cell sheets differentiated from fetal cartilage-derived stem cells (FCSC) to resurface damaged cornea. METHODS: The FCSC were isolated from the femoral head of immature cartilage tissue. The ability of the FCSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using differentiation media at 2 days and 7 days post-seeding. A sheet fabricated of FCSCs was also used for the differentiation assay. The results of the in vitro studies were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blots for corneal epithelial cell markers (CK3/12 and Pax6) and limbal epithelial stem cell markers (ABCG2 and p63). To test the material in vivo, an FCSC-sheet was applied as a treatment in a chemically burned rabbit model. The healing ability was observed histologically one week after treatment. RESULTS: The in vitro experiments showed morphological changes in the FCSCs at two and seven days of culture. The differentiated cells from the FCSCs or the FCSC-sheet expressed corneal epithelial cells markers. FCSC were create cell sheet that successfully differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and had sufficient adhesion so that it could be fused to host tissue after suture to the ocular surface with silk suture. The implanted cell sheet maintained its transparency and the cells were alive a week after implantation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that carrier-free sheets fabricated of FCSCs have the potential to repair damaged corneal surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Corneal scarring or disease may lead to severe corneal opacification and consequently, severe loss of vision due to the complete loss of corneal epithelial cells. We studied the use of epithelial cell sheets differentiated from fetal cartilage-derived stem cells (FCSC) to resurface damaged cornea. METHODS: The FCSC were isolated from the femoral head of immature cartilage tissue. The ability of the FCSCs to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using differentiation media at 2 days and 7 days post-seeding. A sheet fabricated of FCSCs was also used for the differentiation assay. The results of the in vitro studies were evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blots for corneal epithelial cell markers (CK3/12 and Pax6) and limbal epithelial stem cell markers (ABCG2 and p63). To test the material in vivo, an FCSC-sheet was applied as a treatment in a chemically burned rabbit model. The healing ability was observed histologically one week after treatment. RESULTS: The in vitro experiments showed morphological changes in the FCSCs at two and seven days of culture. The differentiated cells from the FCSCs or the FCSC-sheet expressed corneal epithelial cells markers. FCSC were create cell sheet that successfully differentiated into corneal epithelial cells and had sufficient adhesion so that it could be fused to host tissue after suture to the ocular surface with silk suture. The implanted cell sheet maintained its transparency and the cells were alive a week after implantation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that carrier-free sheets fabricated of FCSCs have the potential to repair damaged corneal surfaces.

Background: Cell-based therapies have been studied for articular cartilage regeneration. Articular cartilage defects have little treatments because articular cartilage was limited regenerative capacity. Damaged articular cartilage is difficult to obtain a successful therapeutic effect. In additionally these articular cartilage defects often cause osteoarthritis. Chondrocyte implantation is a widely available therapy used for regeneration of articular cartilage because this tissue has poor repair capacity after injury. Human nasal septum-drived chondrocytes (hNCs) from the septum show greater proliferation ability and chondrogenic capacity than human articular chondrocytes (hACs), even across different donors with different ages. Moreover, the chondrogenic properties of hNCs can be maintained after extensive culture expansion. Methods: In this study, 2 dimensional (2D) monolayer cultured hNCs (hNCs-2D) and 3 dimensional (3D) spheroids cultured hNCs (hNCs-3D) were examined for chondrogenic capacity in vitro by PCR and immunofluorescence staining for chondrogenic marker, cell survival during cultured and for cartilage regeneration ability in vivo in a rat osteochondral defect model. Results: hNCs-3D showed higher viability and more uniform morphology than 3D spheroids cultured hACs (hACs-3D) in culture. hNCs-3D also showed greater expression levels of the chondrocyte-specific marker Type II collagen (COL2A1) and sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 (SOX9) than hNCs-2D. hNCs-3D also expressed chondrogenic markers in collagen. Specially, in the osteochondral defect model, implantation of hNCs-3D led to greater chondrogenic repair of focal cartilage defects in rats than implantation of hNCs-2D. Conclusion These data suggest that hNCs-3D are valuable therapeutic agents for repair and regeneration of cartilage defects.

Background: Cell-based therapies have been studied for articular cartilage regeneration. Articular cartilage defects have little treatments because articular cartilage was limited regenerative capacity. Damaged articular cartilage is difficult to obtain a successful therapeutic effect. In additionally these articular cartilage defects often cause osteoarthritis. Chondrocyte implantation is a widely available therapy used for regeneration of articular cartilage because this tissue has poor repair capacity after injury. Human nasal septum-drived chondrocytes (hNCs) from the septum show greater proliferation ability and chondrogenic capacity than human articular chondrocytes (hACs), even across different donors with different ages. Moreover, the chondrogenic properties of hNCs can be maintained after extensive culture expansion. Methods: In this study, 2 dimensional (2D) monolayer cultured hNCs (hNCs-2D) and 3 dimensional (3D) spheroids cultured hNCs (hNCs-3D) were examined for chondrogenic capacity in vitro by PCR and immunofluorescence staining for chondrogenic marker, cell survival during cultured and for cartilage regeneration ability in vivo in a rat osteochondral defect model. Results: hNCs-3D showed higher viability and more uniform morphology than 3D spheroids cultured hACs (hACs-3D) in culture. hNCs-3D also showed greater expression levels of the chondrocyte-specific marker Type II collagen (COL2A1) and sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9 (SOX9) than hNCs-2D. hNCs-3D also expressed chondrogenic markers in collagen. Specially, in the osteochondral defect model, implantation of hNCs-3D led to greater chondrogenic repair of focal cartilage defects in rats than implantation of hNCs-2D. Conclusion These data suggest that hNCs-3D are valuable therapeutic agents for repair and regeneration of cartilage defects.

OBJECTIVES: Ménière disease is a clinical syndrome characterized by the four major symptoms of episodic vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Sensorineural hearing loss, especially low frequency, is the characteristic type of audiogram in Ménière's disease. However, it is difficult to distinguish idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) with vertigo from the first attack of Ménière disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of progression into Ménière Disease from low frequency ISSNHL. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three patients were included in this study. We classified the patients with ISSNHL according to the hearing loss in audiogram and analyzed how many of them actually progressed to Ménière disease based on diagnosis criteria. RESULTS: Among the 240 patients, 37.1% (89 patients) were confirmed low frequency ISSNHL and 14.6% (13 patients) of them were diagnosed with Meniere disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the progression from low frequency ISSNHL to Ménière disease was higher than other frequency ISSNHL, as in other studies.
Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; Humans ; Incidence ; Meniere Disease ; Tinnitus ; Vertigo