RATIONALE Generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been intensively studied by a variety of reprogramming methods, but the molecular and functional properties of the cells differentiated from iPS cells have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE To address this issue, we generated iPS cells from human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) using lentiviral transduction of ...

A new situ technique has been developed for measuring peak end-systolic elastance, Emax, that does not alter intrinsic or reflex-stimulated cardiac contractility. Afterload is varied by the inflation of an intra-aortic balloon catheter positioned in the ascending aorta. Balloon inflation is timed to interrupt ventricular ejection transiently at different times during the ejection phase, therefo...

Valerenic acid (VA)-a β2/3-selective GABA type A (GABAA) receptor modulator-displays anxiolytic and anticonvulsive effects in mice devoid of sedation, making VA an interesting drug candidate. Here we analyzed β-subunit-dependent enhancement of GABA-induced chloride currents (IGABA) by a library of VA derivatives and studied their effects on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure threshold and...

Background & Aims: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the capability to undergo unlimited selfrenewal and differentiation into all cell types in the body. These cells are artificially derived from a nonpluripotent cell, typically human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The study of cytogenetic stability of these cells, in order to use iPS cells and apply studies in therapeutic applications, i...

Background and Aim: Color match between prosthetic restorations and natural teeth is challenging in dentistry. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of accelerated aging on color stability of two silica-based ceramics with leucite and lithium disilicate crystalline phases after glazing and polishing surface treatments. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 disc-...

[Purpose] The efficacy of a stabilometer-based index of postural stability (IPS) as an indicator of dynamic balance ability was investigated. [Subjects and Methods] Using a stabilometer, we calculated the IPS in 583 healthy subjects (178 males, 405 females) under two conditions (open eyes/hard surface, OE/HS; closed eyes/soft surface, CE/SS). [Results] Results revealed a negative relation betwe...

We recently developed a method to generate myeloid cells with proliferation capacity from human iPS cells. iPS-ML (iPS-cell-derived myeloid/macrophage line), generated by introducing proliferation and anti-senescence factors into iPS-cell-derived myeloid cells, grew continuously in an M-CSF-dependent manner. A large number of cells exhibiting macrophage-like properties can be readily obtained b...

BACKGROUND Indigenous practices (IPs) are experiences generated by people who are living in a specific regional context and cultural group. IPs are shaped by cultural traits that are passed from one generation to the next. IPs practices are rooted and embedded in society and, therefore, the practices become part of the people's lifestyle. It is difficult to try and change these practices as peo...