Background: The heterogeneity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and fragmented analysis methods hinder the precise identification of novel biomarkers. We addressed this challenge using two independent cohorts to integrate genomics and metabolomics, aiming to identify cause-specific biomarkers for CKD in the Korean population. Methods: A longitudinal genome-wide association study using the Cox proportional hazards model was conducted using the Ansan and Ansung cohort. To validate these genomic biomarkers and integrate them with plasma metabolomics biomarkers, we utilized a hospital-based biopsy cohort to identify cause-specific CKD biomarkers. Within the biopsy cohort, we analyzed four disease subsets, including type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD), hypertensive nephropathy (HN), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and membranous nephropathy (MN), and compared them with healthy individuals. Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and metabolites for each CKD subset were identified through logistic regression and correlation-based network analyses. Subsequently, we analyzed the risk of disease progression associated with the identified pairs. Results: A total of 448 variants associated with CKD occurrence were identified, with significant differences in several genetic variants and metabolites observed among patients with DKD, HN, IgAN, and MN compared to healthy individuals. Among 36 SNP-metabolite pairs, those involing FOXB1 and ZFP42 were associated with DKD, whereas pairs involving MMRN1 and SYNJ2 were linked to MN. Notably, the rs1025170 variant in FOXB1 and tyrosine pair was correlated with DKD progression. Conclusion Integrating genomics and metabolomics across independent cohorts enables the discovery of cause-specific biomarkers for the occurrence and progression of CKD in the Korean population.

This case report explores the orthodontic treatment of pediatric patients with mild skeletal malocclusion using Invisalign First®. Two cases are presented: (1) a patient with upper incisor protrusion, deep bite, and skeletal Class II malocclusion; and (2) a patient with dental crowding and skeletal Class III malocclusion. Their treatment demonstrated the efficacy of Invisalign First® in achieving arch expansion, tooth alignment, space creation for erupting teeth, and skeletal malocclusion correction. The overall results were satisfactory; however, limitations in rotational and intrusive movements, as well as skeletal improvements, were observed. Careful treatment planning, including overcorrection and patient selection, is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

This case report explores the orthodontic treatment of pediatric patients with mild skeletal malocclusion using Invisalign First®. Two cases are presented: (1) a patient with upper incisor protrusion, deep bite, and skeletal Class II malocclusion; and (2) a patient with dental crowding and skeletal Class III malocclusion. Their treatment demonstrated the efficacy of Invisalign First® in achieving arch expansion, tooth alignment, space creation for erupting teeth, and skeletal malocclusion correction. The overall results were satisfactory; however, limitations in rotational and intrusive movements, as well as skeletal improvements, were observed. Careful treatment planning, including overcorrection and patient selection, is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

This case report explores the orthodontic treatment of pediatric patients with mild skeletal malocclusion using Invisalign First®. Two cases are presented: (1) a patient with upper incisor protrusion, deep bite, and skeletal Class II malocclusion; and (2) a patient with dental crowding and skeletal Class III malocclusion. Their treatment demonstrated the efficacy of Invisalign First® in achieving arch expansion, tooth alignment, space creation for erupting teeth, and skeletal malocclusion correction. The overall results were satisfactory; however, limitations in rotational and intrusive movements, as well as skeletal improvements, were observed. Careful treatment planning, including overcorrection and patient selection, is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

This report aims to describe a case of tumor-like lymphoplasmacytic conjunctivitis in a 7-year-old spayed-female Pomeranian. On complete ophthalmic examination, a mass with papillary projections was noted on the bulbar surface of the right third eyelid. Debulking of the mass was performed while preserving as much of the third eyelid as possible. On the histopathological examination, the mass was diagnosed as lymphoplasmacytic conjunctivitis with mild epithelial hyperplasia. Although a slight regrowth of the mass was noted 3 weeks after surgery, intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide led to its disappearance.There was no further recurrence after 5 months.

Background: There has not been a thoroughly reported study of the comparison between spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with both ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and gonioscopy on the evaluation of the iridocorneal angle (ICA) in dogs. Objectives: To investigate the diagnostic value of SD-OCT for the early detection of narrowing ICA by comparing and assessing inter-device agreement in anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurements obtained by SD-OCT and UBM, and ICA evaluations by gonioscopy. Methods: A total of 28 eyes from 28 client-owned dogs with normal intraocular pressure were included for examination. The ACA and angle opening distance (AOD) were measured from the SD-OCT and UBM images, and gonioscopy images were analyzed using the ICA grade and ZibWest angle index. Results: The mean ACA and AOD for SD-OCT were 28.31° ± 5.37° and 658.42 ± 219.90 µm, and for UBM, 28.34° ± 5.82° and 859.29 ± 221.80 µm, respectively. The mean difference in ACA between the average values of SD-OCT and UBM measurements was 0.03° with a 95% limit of agreement (LoA) span of 16.2°, indicating positive agreement; that in AOD was 200.85 µm with a 95% LoA span of 1,110.95 µm, indicating poor agreement. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the ACA of SD-OCT and ZibWest indices of gonioscopy was 0.624, indicating strong agreement; that of UBM and gonioscopy was 0.43, indicating moderate agreement. Conclusions SD-OCT is well tolerated by canine patients due to its non-contact method and might be an alternative option for early screening of ICA narrowing in clinical settings.

Two dogs presented with bilateral pattern-forming corneal opacity. Treatment with topical immunosuppressants was initiated after a complete ophthalmic examination. The response to treatment was assessed by analyzing serial images using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Both dogs responded to topical immunosuppressants; however, the lesions recurred once the treatment was abated or withdrawn. The most effective immunosuppressant in both dogs was 0.03% tacrolimus ointment. Early and continuous treatment with topical immunosuppressants may be necessary to improve corneal clarity and prevent scarring. SD-OCT could provide useful structural information regarding presumed immune-mediated keratitis and aid in monitoring treatment response.

Background: The association between vitamin D and canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) has not been investigated in dogs. Objectives: To investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1) and tear film breakup time (TFBUT) in dogs. Methods: Sixty-one clinically healthy, client-owned dogs were enrolled. STT-1 and TFBUT were measured in 122 (61dogs) and 82 (41 dogs out of total 61 dogs) eyes, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were evaluated by quantitative chemiluminescent immunoassay. The dogs were classified into 6 groups according to the evaluations (STT-1: group 1, normal [≥ 15 mm/min] in both eyes; group 2, normal in one eye and abnormal [< 15 mm/min] in the fellow eye; group 3, abnormal in both eyes; TFBUT: group 4, normal [≥ 20 sec] in both eyes; group 5, normal in one eye and abnormal [< 20 sec] in the fellow eye; group 6, abnormal in both eyes). Results: STT-1 was positively correlated with TFBUT (p < 0.001). Among the STT-1 groups, the mean serum 25(OH)D concentration in group 1 was significantly higher than in groups 2 and 3 with positive correlation (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the TFBUT groups 4, 5, and 6. Conclusions In dogs, it was found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations had a greater effect on quantitative KCS than qualitative KCS. Therefore, it is considered that measurement of serum 25(OH)D concentration could be included in the diagnostic tests in canine quantitative KCS patients.

Background: Long-term comparisons of phacoemulsification with topical medication are limited in canine diabetic cataracts. Objectives: To compare outcomes of eyes submitted to phacoemulsification with those of topical medication for canine diabetic cataracts and identify risk factors for complications. Methods: Through medical records review, 150 eyes (76 dogs) with diabetic cataracts were included; 58 eyes (31 dogs) underwent phacoemulsification (phaco-group) and 92 eyes (48 dogs) received ophthalmic solution alone (medication-group). The medicationgroup was divided into owner-led and vet-led groups depending on who elected not to perform surgery. Comparisons involved time-to-complications, vision, and the number and type of ophthalmic solutions administered. The association between complications and pretreatment clinical findings was investigated. Results: No difference was found in complication risk between the phaco and owner-led medication groups. Conversely, the vet-led medication-group had a higher complication risk than the other groups. At the last follow-up, 94.8% of the phaco-group had vision, whereas 7.6% of the medication-group restored some visual axis. Poor glycemic control in the medication-group and younger age in the phaco-group increased complication risk.At 1-year post-treatment, the average number of ophthalmic solutions administered was 1.7 and 2.6 in the phaco and medication groups, respectively. The medication-group used anti-inflammatories the most throughout the follow-up, whereas the phaco-group used anti-inflammatories the most until 1-year post-treatment and lacrimostimulants at 1.5-year post-treatment. Conclusions For canine diabetic cataracts, phacoemulsification is recommended because it is superior to topical management alone in terms of maintaining vision and reducing the number of ophthalmic solutions required in the long term.

Background: Long-term comparative data of phacoemulsification combined with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) versus phacoemulsification (phaco) alone in dogs are rare. Objectives: To investigate the effects of ECP on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications after phaco in dogs with normal IOP. Methods: Medical records of IOP, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal edema, aqueous flare, posterior synechia, intraocular fibrin, and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) formation in 15 canine eyes that underwent phaco-ECP and 36 eyes that underwent phaco alone were evaluated retrospectively. ECP was applied when either the iridocorneal angle or the ciliary cleft was narrow or closed. Results: The IOP of the phaco-ECP group persisted within the normal range postoperatively.The phaco-ECP group had a shorter period of dorzolamide use than did the phaco group.PCO was formed earlier in the phaco-ECP group than in the phaco group. The phaco-ECP group showed more severe corneal edema than the phaco group at every follow-up visit.Posterior synechia was more severe in the phaco-ECP group than in the phaco group from two weeks until the last follow-up. Conclusions Although ECP might cause more postoperative complications such as corneal edema and posterior synechia, it could effectively reduce the incidence of IOP increase after phaco in dogs with a high risk of postoperative glaucoma.