Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : All eukaryotic cells release nanosized extracellular vesicles, or nEV, into the extracellular spaces. They have been found in various bodily fluids and are critical as intercellular communication mediators. nEV transport proteins, lipids, metabolites, and nucleic acids from donor cells to destination cells nearby or at a distance, altering the recipient cells' biological characteristics. Because of this specific characteristic, EVs are an excellent drug carrier for medicinal purposes. Compared to manufactured nanoparticles, natural encapsulation (nEV) has several benefits, such as biocompatibility, natural targeting capability, and long-term safety. Additionally, nEV can be swiftly loaded with the preferred medication, separated from a variety of biological sources, and altered to increase their effectiveness as specific drug delivery vehicles. Here, we review these facets of nEV and discuss the factors to consider when selecting the drug loading technique, nEV source, and surface modification tactics. We also discuss the obstacles that need to be removed for nEV-based drug delivery technologies to reach their full potential in clinical settings.

Abstract : Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study is to evaluate two intraoral scanning accuracy regarding to internal fit of provisional restorations. Methodology: A maxillary acrylic cast will be used with two designs. Design 1: Acrylic resin maxillary cast will be used after removal of right canine and then block their positions with wax. the abutments are maxillary central and lateral incisor and first premolar. The abutments will be prepared using the dental milling machine and then scanned by a laboratory scanner to make a virtual model, which will be used to make ten models by 3D printing. Design 2: Acrylic resin maxillary cast, the abutments are maxillary sex anterior teeth from canine to canine. The abutments will be prepared using dental milling machine and then scanned by a laboratory scanner to make a virtual model, which will be used to make ten models by 3D printing. These ten models will be used to make single crowns using Omnicam and Prime scan. After scanning the abutments, provisional single crowns will be milled using Telio CAD blocks and adapted to the corresponding dies. Internal fit will be evaluated using a measuring microscope. Results: The results revealed that there were significant results between Primescan and Omnicam for all scanned teeth. Conclusion: The provisional restorations scanned with Primescan intra-oral scanner had better internal fit than restoration scanned with Omnicam intra-oral scanner.

Abstract : Abstract Background: Self-care practices aimed at perineal health have gained attention for their potential to bolster postpartum recovery, alleviate discomfort, and forestall enduring issues. Objective This study aimed to investigate the multifaceted dimensions of self-care practices for perineal health among Primiparous Women. Method: Employing a descriptive-analytic (cross-sectional) approach, the research involved 260 Primiparous Women at a Maternity Teaching Hospital in Sulaimani City. Data collection transpired over four consecutive months from September 2022 to March 2023 through direct interviews employing a questionnaire encompassing Maternal Demographic Characteristics and Postnatal Self-care practices. The results revealed that the postnatal self-care practice awareness was diverse: 45.4% displayed poor awareness, 44.2% exhibited fair awareness following an episiotomy, and 10.4% showcased good awareness. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of addressing perineal health via self-care practices, given their potential for augmenting postpartum recovery, alleviating discomfort, and averting long-term complications. The research accentuates an alarming trend in postnatal self-care practice awareness, highlighting a substantial portion of participants with limited awareness. This underscores the urgency of targeted interventions and educational efforts to cultivate enhanced self-care practices among Primiparous Women, fostering better perineal health

Abstract : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant public health problem in Egypt and developing countries, accounting for the highest prevalence globally. This study aimed to measure the level of CXCL-10 and TGF-B1 in chronic HCV patients before and following treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapy (DAAs). The study included 50 subjects, divided into two groups: thirty individuals with HCV infection and twenty HCV-negative individuals who were considered to be in good health and served as the control group. We selected 30 HCV-positive patients who did not start treatment from all HCV-positive patients who attended an endemic clinic. Patients were followed up for 12 or 24 weeks after their DAA treatment. Then, based on treatment response, we classified these patients into (15 HCV-positive patients who responded to treatment) and (15 HCV-positive patients who did not respond to treatment). CXCL10 and TGFB1 were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). There was a significant positive correlation between CXCL10 and TGFB1 levels in all studied groups. Compared to responders and control groups, CXCL10 and TGFB1 levels were significantly higher in HCV patients and non-responders who did not initiate therapy. Therefore, CXCL10 and TGFB1 could be combined with HCV PCR to improve the sensitivity and specificity of treatment response detection.

Abstract : Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and nature of extracardiac incidental findings in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort teleradiology study analyzed 33 patients' pre-TAVI CT scans. The study identified and categorized incidental extracardiac findings, highlighting significant findings and those of clear or potential malignancy. Results: All participants in the study had at least one incidental extracardiac finding, with a total of 115 occurrences of 43 different types being recorded. The most common findings were spinal degenerative disc disease, renal cysts, pulmonary edema, and pleural effusions. 73% of the cohort were identified as having clinically significant extracardiac findings. In terms of clearly or potentially malignant findings, these were observed in 42% of the cohort, including renal cell carcinoma, large paratracheal soft tissue mass, multinodular thyroid gland, lung nodules, and prostate enlargement. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant occurrence of extracardiac incidental findings, many of which are clearly or potentially malignant, in pre-TAVI CT scans. These findings underscore the necessity for thorough pre-procedural evaluations in TAVI candidates, as they can influence patient management and outcomes. Future research should aim for larger, multicenter, prospective studies to understand better