Regulatory role of N-myc downregulated genes in amelogenesis in rats.

Cytodifferentiation of odontogenic cells, a late stage event in odontogenesis is based on gene regulation. However, studies on the identification of the involved genes are scarce. The present study aimed to search for molecules for the cytodifferentiation of ameloblastic cells in rats.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Public Perceptions of the Roles and Functions of Community Pharmacies in South Korea: Updated Cross-Sectional Self-Reported Web-Based Survey.

Background: Community pharmacists confronted dual burdens in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by expanding the scope of pharmaceutical practices.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the perceived roles and functions of community pharmacies during the pandemic and to explore their updated roles after the pandemic began.

Methods: We conducted a self-reported web-based survey in October 2022.

Sclerostin in periodontal ligament: Homeostatic regulator in biophysical force-induced tooth movement.

Aim: To study the role of sclerostin in periodontal ligament (PDL) as a homeostatic regulator in biophysical-force-induced tooth movement (BFTM).

Materials And Methods: BFTM was performed in rats, followed by microarray, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, and real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection and identification of the molecules. The periodontal space was analysed via micro-computed tomography.

Perceived impact of the patent linkage system on pharmaceutical market from the viewpoint of the domestic manufacturers in South Korea.

Background: The United States requires a patent linkage system in other countries as part of free trade agreements. However, introducing a patent linkage system could be a significant barrier to the timely approval of generic drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived impact of the patent linkage system in South Korea held by domestic manufacturers and analyze variations in evaluating the system according to the characteristics of domestic manufacturers.

Patent challenges and factors associated with successful patent challengers under the patent linkage system: recent evidence from South Korea after the Korea United States free trade agreement.

Objectives: The patent linkage system upgraded patent challenges to an important factor in granting timely market approval for generic drugs. We aim to understand patent challenges and identify the factors that are associated with successful patent challengers under the patent linkage system in South Korea.

Methods: We constructed a novel dataset that combined information on manufacturers with detailed data about their patent challenges after introduction of the patent linkage system.

SLPI in periodontal Ligament is not sleepy during biophysical force-induced tooth movement.

Aim: We aimed to identify a key molecule that maintains periodontal tissue homeostasis during biophysical force-induced tooth movement (BTM) by orchestrating alveolar bone (AB) remodelling.

Materials And Methods: Differential display-PCR was performed to identify key molecules for BTM in rats. To investigate the localization and expression of the identified molecules, immunofluorescence, real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed in rats and human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Regulatory role of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in odontogenic mineralization in rats.

Much information is currently available for molecules in early odontogenesis, but there is limited knowledge regarding terminal cytodifferentiation of ameloblasts and odontoblasts for the determination of normal crown morphology. The present differential display PCR (DD-PCR) revealed that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) was differentially expressed in molar tooth germs between the cap (before crown mineralization) and root formation (after crown mineralization) stages. Real-time PCR confirmed that the expression levels of IGFBP1-4 were not significantly changed but those of IGFBP5-7 were upregulated in a time-dependent manner.

Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into diverse lineage cells by DNA demethylation followed by differentiating cultures.

Direct reprogramming, also known as a trans-differentiation, is a technique to allow mature cells to be converted into other types of cells without inducing a pluripotent stage. It has been suggested as a major strategy to acquire the desired type of cells in cell-based therapies to repair damaged tissues. Studies related to switching the fate of cells through epigenetic modification have been progressing and they can bypass safety issues raised by the virus-based transfection methods.

The health-related quality-of-life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and disease-related indirect burdens.

Background/aims: Many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have physical limitations. We investigated EuroQol five-dimensions five-level (EQ-5D-5L) of COPD patients to assess quality of life, and assessed indirect burden including time expenditure to visit doctor, home care rate, and caregiver related burden.

Methods: We recruited 355 COPD patients according to severity of airflow limitation that severity was set at 10% mild, 40% moderate, 30% severe, and 20% very severe in two primary and 11 secondary/tertiary hospitals.

Synergistic alveolar bone resorption by diabetic advanced glycation end products and mechanical forces.

Background: The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and bone diseases is acknowledged. However, the mechanistic pathways leading to the alveolar bone (AB) destruction remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanical forces (MF)-induced AB destruction in DM and its underlying mechanism.

Direct and Indirect Costs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea.

Background: Understanding the burden of disease is important to establish cost-effective treatment strategies and to allocate healthcare resources appropriately. However, little reliable information is available regarding the overall economic burden imposed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Korea.

Methods: This study is a multicenter observational research on the COPD burden in Korea.

Evaluation of a technology-enhanced integrated care model for frail older persons: protocol of the SPEC study, a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial in nursing homes.

Background: Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of the chronic care model for people with multimorbidity. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an information and communication technology- (ICT-)enhanced integrated care model, called Systems for Person-centered Elder Care (SPEC), for frail older adults at nursing homes.

Methods/design: SPEC is a prospective stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial conducted at 10 nursing homes in South Korea.

Morphological analysis of the occlusal surface of maxillary molars in Koreans.

Objective: To determine the diameter of the crown, total crown area, individual cusp area, and occlusal table area in Korean maxillary permanent molars, as well as dental characteristics relevant to the hypocone reduction trait.

Materials And Methods: Subjects included 121 dental school students in Korea (81 men and 40 women). A digital image analysis system was used for measurements and we relied on visual scoring to assign categories of hypocone expression.