Anosmia, characterized by the loss of smell, is associated not only with dysfunction in the peripheral olfactory system but also with changes in several brain regions involved in olfactory processing. Specifically, the orbitofrontal cortex is recognized for its pivotal role in integrating olfactory information, engaging in bidirectional communication with the primary olfactory regions, including the olfactory cortex, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex. However, little is known about alterations in structural connections among these brain regions in patients with anosmia. In this study, highresolution T1-weighted images were obtained from participants. Utilizing the volumes of key brain regions implicated in olfactory function, we employed a structural covariance approach to investigate brain reorganization patterns in patients with anosmia (n=22) compared to healthy individuals (n=30). Our structural covariance analysis demonstrated diminished connectivity between the amygdala and entorhinal cortex, components of the primary olfactory network, in patients with anosmia compared to healthy individuals (z=-2.22, FDR-corrected p=0.039). Conversely, connectivity between the orbitofrontal cortex—a major region in the extended olfactory network—and amygdala was found to be enhanced in the anosmia group compared to healthy individuals (z=2.32, FDR-corrected p=0.039). However, the structural connections between the orbitofrontal cortex and entorhinal cortex did not differ significantly between the groups (z=0.04, FDR-corrected p=0.968). These findings suggest a potential structural reorganization, particularly of higher-order cortical regions, possibly as a compensatory effort to interpret the limited olfactory information available in individuals with olfactory loss.

Cognitive dysfunction, a significant complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), can potentially manifest even from the early stages of the disease. Despite evidence of global brain atrophy and related cognitive dysfunction in early-stage T2DM patients, specific regions vulnerable to these changes have not yet been identified. The study enrolled patients with T2DM of less than five years’ duration and without chronic complications (T2DM group, n=100) and demographically similar healthy controls (control group, n=50). High-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were subjected to independent component analysis to identify structurally significant components indicative of morphometric networks. Within these networks, the groups’ gray matter volumes were compared, and distinctions in memory performance were assessed. In the T2DM group, the relationship between changes in gray matter volume within these networks and declines in memory performance was examined. Among the identified morphometric networks, the T2DM group exhibited reduced gray matter volumes in both the precuneus (Bonferronicorrected p=0.003) and insular-opercular (Bonferroni-corrected p=0.024) networks relative to the control group. Patients with T2DM demonstrated significantly lower memory performance than the control group (p=0.001). In the T2DM group, reductions in gray matter volume in both the precuneus (r=0.316, p=0.001) and insular-opercular (r=0.199, p=0.047) networks were correlated with diminished memory performance. Our findings indicate that structural alterations in the precuneus and insular-opercular networks, along with memory dysfunction, can manifest within the first 5 years following a diagnosis of T2DM.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes, and approximately 50% of patients with this disease suffer from peripheral neuropathy. Nerve fiber loss in DN occurs due to myelin defects and is characterized by symptoms of impaired nerve function. Schwann cells (SCs) are the main support cells of the peripheral nervous system and play important roles in several pathways contributing to the pathogenesis and development of DN. We previously reported that human tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into SCs (TMSC-SCs), named neuronal regeneration-promoting cells (NRPCs), which cells promoted nerve regeneration in animal models with peripheral nerve injury or hereditary peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: In this study, NRPCs were injected into the thigh muscles of BKS-db/db mice, a commonly used type 2 diabetes model, and monitored for 26 weeks. Von Frey test, sensory nerve conduction study, and staining of sural nerve, hind foot pad, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were performed after NRPCs treatment. RESULTS: Von Frey test results showed that the NRPC treatment group (NRPC group) showed faster responses to less force than the vehicle group. Additionally, remyelination of sural nerve fibers also increased in the NRPC group. After NRPCs treatment, an improvement in response to external stimuli and pain sensation was expected through increased expression of PGP9.5 in the sole and TRPV1 in the DRG. CONCLUSION The NRPCs treatment may alleviate DN through the remyelination and the recovery of sensory neurons, could provide a better life for patients suffering from complications of this disease.

Objective: The aim of this study was 1) to investigate the prevalence and pattern of dental anomalies (DAs), 2) to compare DAs according to the type of malocclusion, and 3) to investigate the correlation between tooth impaction and other DAs in the Korean orthodontic population. Methods: A total of 3,240 orthodontic patients were classified as Class I, Class II, or Class III malocclusion groups. The presence and location of common DAs, including impaction, microdontia, agenesis, supernumerary tooth, transposition, and fusion, were identified by examining diagnostic records. Furthermore, samples were classified as Group 1 without impaction or Group 2 with impaction. The prevalence of other DAs concurrent with impaction was investigated and compared to Group 1. Results: Impaction was the most prevalent DA, followed by microdontia, agenesis, and supernumerary. Class I and Class III groups showed the same order of prevalence, but agenesis was more frequent than microdontia in the Class II group. The prevalence of the four DAs was lowest in the Class III group. Overall, 8.6% of patients were classified into Group 2. The incidence of DAs other than impaction and the prevalence of multiple concurrent DAs were significantly higher in Group 2. Impaction showed a significant relationship with supernumerary tooth, transposition, and fusion. Conclusions The prevalence and pattern of DAs varied depending on the type of malocclusion. As there was a higher risk of other DAs in patients with impacted teeth, early detection of the impacted tooth and a detailed diagnosis of other possible DAs may be essential.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the amount of tooth movement after multiple horizontal (MH) and single vertical (SV) micro-osteoperforations (MOPs), and evaluate the histological changes after orthodontic force application in rabbits. Methods: The mandibles of 24 white rabbits were subjected to two experimental interventions: MH and SV MOPs. Defect volume of the MOPs between the two groups was kept similar. A force of 100 cN was applied via a coil spring between the incisor teeth and the first premolars. The amount of tooth movement was measured. Differences in the amount of tooth movement and bone variables at three time points and between the two groups were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The first premolar showed a mesial movement of 1.47 mm in the MH group and 1.84 mm in the SV group, which was significantly different at Week 3 (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in bone volume and bone fraction between the groups. Tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase-positive cell count was also significantly greater at Week 3 than at Week 1 in both the SV and MH groups. Conclusions The amount of tooth movement showed significant differences between Weeks 1 and 3 in the SV and MH MOP groups, but showed no differences between the two groups. Therefore, SV MOP could be considered an effective tool for enhancing tooth movement, especially for molar distalization, uprighting, and protraction to an edentulous area.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the amount of tooth movement after multiple horizontal (MH) and single vertical (SV) micro-osteoperforations (MOPs), and evaluate the histological changes after orthodontic force application in rabbits. Methods: The mandibles of 24 white rabbits were subjected to two experimental interventions: MH and SV MOPs. Defect volume of the MOPs between the two groups was kept similar. A force of 100 cN was applied via a coil spring between the incisor teeth and the first premolars. The amount of tooth movement was measured. Differences in the amount of tooth movement and bone variables at three time points and between the two groups were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: The first premolar showed a mesial movement of 1.47 mm in the MH group and 1.84 mm in the SV group, which was significantly different at Week 3 (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in bone volume and bone fraction between the groups. Tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase-positive cell count was also significantly greater at Week 3 than at Week 1 in both the SV and MH groups. Conclusions The amount of tooth movement showed significant differences between Weeks 1 and 3 in the SV and MH MOP groups, but showed no differences between the two groups. Therefore, SV MOP could be considered an effective tool for enhancing tooth movement, especially for molar distalization, uprighting, and protraction to an edentulous area.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a noninvasive method that supplies pure oxygen under a pressure greater than normal atmospheric pressure to increase the partial pressure of oxygen in the plasma and tissue. Based on the potential mechanisms of HBOT, including neuroprotection and neurological recovery, HBOT has been suggested as a promising therapeutic option for neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review specifically focused on the clinical trials applying HBOT for psychiatric disorders published during the recent decade. We critically reviewed the efficacy and safety of HBOT in psychiatric disorders, and cautiously suggested the future directions for further research.

The purpose of this study was to develop effective dental hygiene chews for cats based on the anatomical features of the dentition and patterns of chewing motion. All cats were volunteered for dental prophylaxis followed by dental impressions using yellow stone and alginate under general anesthesia. Twenty parameters related to dentition were defined in order to compare dental impressions using digital caliper. For the chewing motion study, patterns of chewing motion were identified based on recordings made with a digital camera. Ten cats (4 domestic shorthairs, 2 Russian blues, 1 American shorthair, 1 Persian, 1 Turkish Angora, and 1 Devon Rex) were recruited for the study. The parameters related to teeth and oral size were similar among the studied cats. Chewing motion can be described as more of a guillotine-like motion rather than a crushing motion, with cats chewing 3–7 times before swallowing. The chewing pattern of cats involves shearing for a short period of time followed by immediate swallowing. Therefore, the overall size of the dental hygiene chew could be determined based on the measurement of the oral size for inducing chewing. The surface details of the dental hygiene chew could be designed for prevention and removal of dental calculus and plaque in cats considering the anatomical teeth parameters. Dental hygiene chews customized for cats considering the different anatomical features of their teeth might be effective for oral care.
Anesthesia, General ; Animals ; Cats ; Deglutition ; Dental Calculus ; Dental Prophylaxis ; Dentition ; Gingiva ; Mastication ; Oral Hygiene ; Periodontal Diseases ; Tooth

Stroke patients often experience a walking dysfunction caused by decreased mobility, weakened muscular strength, abnormal posture control, and cognitive dysfunction. Anxiety/depression is the most important and prevalent neuropsychiatric complication of stroke survivors. Brain injury and the presence of malnutrition after stroke contribute to metabolic status and clinical outcome of patients. We examined the level of nutrition intake in stroke patients according to their degree of anxiety/depression. The data were obtained from 2013 to 2015 through the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Study subjects were categorized to either a group having no problem of anxiety/depression (n = 274) or a group having a problem of anxiety or depression (n = 104). The EuroQoL-5 Dimensions Health Questionnaire (EQ-5D) index score was derived from the first description of an individual health status based on the EQ-5D classification system, including mobility, self-care, usual daily activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. The mean age was 67.4 years in the normal group and 68.0 years in the anxiety or depression group. In the anxiety or depression group, 39.4% were men vs. 53.3% in the normal group. The total energy intake (p = 0.013), riboflavin (p = 0.041), and niacin (p = 0.038) was significantly higher in stroke patients with no anxiety/depression than those in stroke patients with having an anxiety/depression. The group having no problem of anxiety/depression had significantly higher EQ-5D index compared to the group having a problem of anxiety/depression group (p < 0.001) had. The results suggest the association between nutrition intake, usual activities and pain/discomfort status in the stroke patients with having an anxiety/depression.
Anxiety ; Brain Injuries ; Classification ; Depression ; Energy Intake ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Malnutrition ; Niacin ; Nutrition Surveys ; Posture ; Riboflavin ; Self Care ; Stroke ; Survivors ; Walking

BACKGROUND: In vitro detection of the allergen-specific IgE antibody (sIgE) is a useful tool for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. Although multiple simultaneous allergen tests offer simple and low-cost screening methods, these platforms also have limitations with respect to multiplexibility and analytical performance. As an alternative assay platform, we developed and validated a microarray using allergen extracts that we termed “GOLD” chip. METHODS: Serum samples of 150 allergic rhinitis patients were used in the study, and the diagnostic performance of the microarray was compared with that of AdvanSure (LG Life Sciences, Daejun, Korea) and ImmunoCAP (Phadia, Uppsala, Sweden). Standard IgE samples were used for the quantitative measurement of sIgEs. RESULTS: The microarray-based assay showed excellent performance in the quantitative measurement of sIgEs, demonstrating a linear correlation within the range of sIgE concentrations tested. The limit of detection (LOD) was lower than 0.35 IU/mL, which is the current standard for the LOD cut-off. The assay also provided highly reproducible sets of data. The total agreement percentage of positive and negative calls was 92.2% compared with ImmunoCAP. Moreover, an outstanding correlation was observed between the microarray and the ImmunoCAP results, with Cohen's kappa and Pearson correlation coefficient values of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The microarray-based in vitro diagnostic platform offers a sensitive, reproducible, and highly quantitative method to detect sIgEs. The results showed strong correlations with that of ImmunoCAP. These results suggest that the new allergen microarray can serve as a useful alternative to current screening platforms, ultimately becoming a first-line screening method.
Biological Science Disciplines ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Immunoglobulin E ; In Vitro Techniques* ; Limit of Detection ; Mass Screening ; Methods ; Rhinitis, Allergic