Hybrid Nanofiber Scaffold-Based Direct Conversion of Neural Precursor Cells/Dopamine Neurons

The concept of cellular reprogramming was developed to generate induced neural precursor cells (iNPCs)/dopaminergic (iDA) neurons using diverse approaches. Here, we investigated the effects of various nanoscale scaffolds (fiber, dot, and line) on iNPC/iDA differentiation by direct reprogramming. The generation and maturation of iDA neurons (microtubule-associated protein 2-positive and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive) and iNPCs (NESTIN-positive and SOX2-positive) increased on fiber and dot scaffolds as compared to that of the flat (control) scaffold. This study demonstrates that nanotopographical environments are suitable for direct differentiation methods and may improve the differentiation efficiency.

Three Cases of Eosinophilic Esophagitis with Dysphagia as a Chief Complaint / 대한소화기내시경학회지

The incidence of adult eosinophillic esophagitis has been on the increase greatly in recent years, but the disease has been rarely reported in Korea. Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing dysphagia and food impaction. A round ring, longitudinal furrows and mucosal friability are the major findings seen by endoscopy. Eosionophilc esophagitis is confirmed by pathology when more than 20 eosinophils are found on microscopy with use of a high power field. We experienced three cases of eosinophilic esophagitis with complaints of dysphagia.