Modulation of the JAK2-STAT3 pathway promotes expansion and maturation of human iPSCs-derived myogenic progenitor cells.

Generation of induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs)-derived skeletal muscle progenitor cells (SMPCs) holds great promise for regenerative medicine for skeletal muscle wasting diseases, as for example Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Multiple approaches, involving ectopic expression of key regulatory myogenic genes or small molecules cocktails, have been described by different groups to obtain SMPC towards cell-transplantation as a therapeutic approach to skeletal muscle diseases. However, hiPSCs-derived SMPC generated using transgene-free protocols are usually obtained in a low amount and resemble a more embryonal/fetal stage of differentiation.

Low-side and multi-tone suppression in the base of the gerbil cochlea.

The cochlea's mechanical response to sound stimulation is nonlinear, likely due to saturation of the mechano-electric transduction current that is part of an electromechanical feedback loop. The ability of a second tone or tones to reduce the response to a probe tone is one manifestation of nonlinearity, termed suppression. Using optical coherence tomography to measure motion within the organ of Corti, regional motion variations have been observed.

Visualizing motions within the cochlea's organ of Corti and illuminating cochlear mechanics with optical coherence tomography.

Beginning in 2006, optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been adapted for use as a vibrometer for hearing research. The application of OCT in this field, particularly for studying cochlear mechanics, represents a revolutionary advance over previous technologies. OCT provides detailed evidence of the motions of components within the organ of Corti, extending beyond the first-encountered surface of observation.

Contrast Enhancement of Cochlea after Direct Microneedle Intracochlear Injection of Gadodiamide through the Round Window Membrane with Minimal Dosage.

Rationale And Objectives: The potential of contrast-enhanced MRI for diagnosing endolymphatic hydrops is limited by long wait times following intravenous (IV) or intratympanic (IT) delivery, high contrast dosages, and inconsistent signal intensity enhancements. This study investigates microneedle-mediated intracochlear (IC) gadodiamide injection for consistent and efficient contrast delivery with minimal contrast dosage.

Materials And Methods: A 100 µm diameter microneedle with 35 µm lumen was used to inject 1 µL of diluted gadodiamide (17.

The UmboMic: A PVDF Cantilever Microphone.

Objective: We present the "UmboMic," a prototype piezoelectric cantilever microphone designed for future use with totally-implantable cochlear implants.

Methods: The UmboMic sensor is made from polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) because of its low Young's modulus and biocompatibility. The sensor is designed to fit in the middle ear and measure the motion of the underside of the eardrum at the umbo.