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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Kosuke KOBAYASHI
- Research Field
Veterinary Internal Medicine, Tumor Biology
- Keyword(s)
Dog, Tumor, Blood Coagulation
- Research theme
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- Research of coagulant abnormalities in canine malignant tumor
- Exploration of novel drugs for canine malignant tumor
Outline of research activitiesHypercoagulability disorders, including disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and thrombosis, are common and significantly associated with poor prognosis in dogs with malignant tumors. However, the pathogenesis of DIC is not fully elucidated, as well as available tools for the diagnosis and treatment methods for procoagulant states in the dogs are limited. Currently, I am conducting experiments with the aim of the research to elucidate the pathogenesis of DIC and to develop a novel strategy for diagnosis and treatment of DIC in the dogs.
Also, I am conducting exploration of novel drugs to treat malignancy. Even though a lot of cancer research have been conducted, malignancy is the leading cause of death in humans and dogs. Therefore, malignant tumor is one of the most important desease to be overcomed. Development of the novel strategies for treating malignant tumors is a substantial contribution not only in veterinary medicine but also in human medicine.- Desired cooperation
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- Research of blood coagulation
- Cancer research
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Naomi OHTA
- Research Field
Veterinary Epidemiology, Microbiology
- Keyword(s)
Antimicrobial resistance, Foodborne pathogen, Salmonella, Whole-genome sequencing, microbiome
- Research theme
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- Antimicrobial resistant bacteria
- Microbiome
- Sequencing and Data visualization
Outline of research activitiesMy research goal is to identify the impact of antimicrobial use in animals (farm animals & small animals) to the human population using various epidemiological methods, ranging from quantitative to molecular techniques. With the development of the sequencing technology, we will look into the whole-genome of the bacteria and microbiome derived from diverse animals and the environment. My other research interests are in developing epidemiologic data visualization and bacterial evolution analysis.
Image: Showing the prevalence of antibiotic resistant Salmonella in cattle after the treatment with ceftiofur and chlortetracycline
- Desired cooperation
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- Analysis of big data
- Sampling from different animals and environment
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Natsuki AKASHI
- Research Field
Veterinary Anesthesiology, Pathology
- Keyword(s)
Opioids, Adrenoceptor, Drug Interaction, Balanced Anesthesia
- Research theme
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- Development of safer anesthesia method
- Clinical pharmacology of α2-adrenoceptor agonists
- Effects of anesthesia-related drugs on hemodynamics
Outline of research activitiesThe α2-adrenoceptor agonist and opioid analgesic are useful adjunctive drugs for surgical anesthesia due to their potent analgesic properties through acting on neurons intrinsic to the spinal cord, as well as on axon terminals arising from dorsal root ganglia or from descending modulatory pathways. Their combination is known to be potentially beneficial in enhancing analgesic utility via synergistic interaction mainly at the spinal cord mediated by either intercellular or intracellular mechanisms. I am focusing on dexmedetomidine, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist that its perioperative application is increasingly expanding in human and veterinary medicine in recent years. I am currently conducting research on interactions between dexmedetomidine and opioid on analgesic effects, as well as hemodynamics and fluid homeostasis including renal function and endocrine system, in companion animals.
- Desired cooperation
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- Translational research on opioid and adrenergic receptor agonists
- Studies on anesthesia, sedation and perioperative systemic management of animals
- Research on pain and stress
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Shinya MIZUTANI
- Research Field
Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Suegery, Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging, Veterinary anesthesiology
- Keyword(s)
soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging
- Research theme
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- Pathophysiology of canine gallbladder disease
- Reserch of liver diseases in canine and feline
- Surgical anatomy of small animals using diagnostic imaging equipment, etc.
Outline of research activitiesTypical gallbladder diseases in dogs include biliary sludge, gallbladder mucocele, and cholelithiasis, but the pathophysiology remains unclear. I am investigating safer treatment methods by clarifying the detailed pathophysiology of canine gallbladder disease.
In addition, the progress of diagnostic imaging technology in veterinary medicine is remarkable, and I am also working on the application of these data to surgical anatomy (vascular anatomy, etc.), and using these, considering a more safer surgical methods.- Desired cooperation
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- Clinical veterinary research in small animals
- Reserch of hepatobiliary diseases in small animals
- Reserch of surgical anatomy in small animals
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Sho KADEKARU
- Research Field
Veterinary pathology
- Keyword(s)
Diagnostic pathology, Exotic animal, Meat inspection
- Research theme
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- Pathological study of cardiac dilation in meerkat
- Pathological study of disease in various animal species
- Pathological study of dermal fungus disease in Shiro-hebi (Albino of Japanese rat snake)
Outline of research activitiesVeterinary pathology is the study and elucidation of the causes of animal disease and the study of their mechanisms. There are varies of animal diseases that are recognized dependinng on the animal species, the porpose of keeping animals and anatomical and physiological charaters of animal specises.
The researchs currently focusing on:
1) Pathological study of cardiac dilation in meerkat aims to elucidate the cause of cardiac dilation with suspecting a relationship with nutrients deficiency such as vitamin E and selenium.
2) Patholocical study of dermal fungus disease in Shiro-hebi (albino of Japanese rat snake) aims to elucidate the cause of the disease.- Desired cooperation
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- Physical and chemical science
- Microbiology
- Ecology
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Shoma MIKAWA
- Research Field
Veterinary Internal Medicine, Veterinary Pharmacology, Clinical Veterinary Medicine
- Keyword(s)
Serotonin, Kidney Fibrosis, Chronic Kidney Disease, Drug Repositioning
- Research theme
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- Mechanism and new treatment of heart and kidny disease
- Drug repositionning
- Investigation of diseases and gene mutations
Outline of research activitiesThere are many disease for which the mechanism has not been elucidated yet and there are not cure. In paticular, the treatment of heart diseases and kidney diseases which are common at elderly animals, are often “care”, not “cure”. I am currently conducting researches on the mechanism of these deseases (e.g. moleculer, signaling, genetic etc…) for new “cure” treatment methods.
Furthermore, I concentrate my efforts on developing method of veterinary education and postgraduate education.- Desired cooperation
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- Reserches on on novel treatments such as drug discovery and artificial organs (e.g. chemistry, engineering etc...)
- Reserches on pathogenesis and treatment of intractable diseases (e.g. medicine and veterinary medicine)
- Research on small animal infectious diseases and epidemiology
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Shuhei KAJIKAWA
- Research Field
Bone biology
- Keyword(s)
Osteoclast
- Research theme
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- Elucidation of regulatory mechanisms of osteoclast migration.
- Identification of biomarkers in osteoporosis.
Outline of research activitiesThe bone is essential for structural support of the body and protection of internal organs, and also provides mineral storage for metabolic homeostasis. Bone mass is regulated in a fine-tuned balance between bone formation and resorption, and breakdown of this balance leads to bone disorders characterized by alterd bone mass, such as osteoporosis and osteopetrosis. It has been established that osteoblasts and osteoclasts play critical roles in bone formation and resorption, respectively, and indeed dysfunction of these cells is involved in pathogenesis of alterd bone mass. I have been working on osteoclast. Recently, we reported steoclats specific actin-binding protein Profilin1 knockout (Pfn1-cKO) mice have skeletal dysplasia associated with osteopenia and Pfn1-cKO osteoclasts exhibit increased migration, indicating that Pfn1 protects mice from osteopenia and skeletal deformities by negatively regulating osteoclast migration (Kajikawa S. et al., JBMR PLUS (2018)). Now, I am working on regulatory mechanisms of osteoclast migration by Pfn1.
- Desired cooperation
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- Tracking of cells in mice or human.
- Development of therapy for osteopenia and skeletal deformities.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Shuichi CHIBA
- Research Field
Neuroendocrinology, Psychopharmacology
- Keyword(s)
Stress (psychological), Neuroprotection, Sex steroids, Animal model of psychiatric diseases
- Research theme
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- Pathophysiology of the depression caused by chronic stress exposure
- Neuroprotective effect of sex steroid hormones
Outline of research activitiesChronic exposure to psychological stress leads to increased levels of hormones and cytokines, including glucocorticoids, in the blood or brain tissue. These substances may be involved in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as depression. To study the chronic effects of glucocorticoids on the nervous system, we are creating animal models of depression to identify useful targets for the treatment of depression. Steroid hormones are also known to protect nerve cells (neuroprotection) and I am investigating how this action is altered in the pathogenesis of depression and whether it can be used to develop treatments.
- Desired cooperation
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- Research about neuroendocrinological diseases
- Development of animal models of psychiatric disease and exploratory research using the models
- Research about neuroprotective effect of sex steroid hormone
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Takamasa ITOI
- Research Field
Neurology, Rregenerative Medeicine
- Keyword(s)
Spinal Cord Injury, Spinal Cord Regeneration, Rehabilitation, Ggait Aanalysis
- Research theme
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- Developing new treatment for Spinal Cord Injury
- Study of Spinal Cord Injury Markers
- Dog gait analysis
Outline of research activitiesRegenerative medicine is attracting as much attention in the veterinary medicine field as in the human medicine field. Research in the veterinary medicine is also expected to be returned to the human medicine. Severe spinal cord injuries in small animal clinical practice often result in animals that cannot walk or stand on their own even after treatment, and there is a need to develop new treatment for spinal cord injuries. In this laboratory, we are conducting research on the development of spinal cord regeneration therapies using stem cells that can be isolated from living tissue and various cytokines. We are also researching the effectiveness and efficacy of rehabilitation as well as the development of new treatment methods by further elucidating the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury and studying gait analysis of spinal cord injured animals.
- Desired cooperation
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- Stem cells
- Treatment of spinal and spinal cord diseases
- Molecular biology
- Biomechanics
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Yohei MOCHIZUKI
- Research Field
Cardiac Disease in Canine and Feline
- Keyword(s)
Cardiac Sinchronisity, pulmonary hypertension
- Research theme
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- Left ventricular dyssynchrony in dog with various heart disease
- Prognostic factor in dog with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease
Outline of research activitiesThe cardiac synchronicity attracted attention because in human medicine prolongation of QRS duration is an independent prognostic factor of heart failure patients. It is believed that this is due to delayed electrical excitement of the ventricle, resulting in inefficient myocardial movement, which is supported by the benefical effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy. However, as a problem of cardiac resynchronization therapy, it is mentioned that there are many cases called non-responders. One of the methods for detecting this non-responder is mechanical dyssynchrony assessed by echocardiography. Dogs have electrical conduction systems similar to humans, and are often used as dyssynchronous model animals. I suspect that mechanical dyssynchrony assessed by echocardiography in dogs may be a factor that worsens the prognosis of heart disease? We are conducting research using clinical cases and model animals.
- Desired cooperation
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- Pathophysiological analysis of cardiac disease in small animals
- Resarches using canine model of various cardiac disease
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Yoshinori TANAKA
- Research Field
Cell Biology, Molecuar Biology, Experimental Pathology
- Keyword(s)
Protein Transport, Protein Degradation, Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Research theme
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- Cellular function regulated by cellular degradation system
- Dysregulation of vesicular transport on neurodegenerative diseases
- Brain propagation of causal proteins for dementia
- Identification of molecules to cure or modify neurodegenerative diseases
Outline of research activitiesLiife expectancy is getting longer in developed countries, which result in progressive increase in the number of elderly individuals. In parallel, the number of patients with neurodegenerative diseases that cannot yet be cured or significantly slowed, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is increasing. The cytoplasmic aggregation and accumulation of the nuclear protein TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is a hallmark of FTD and ALS. TDP-43 action in the nucleus is essential for cellular homeostasis, and TDP-43 aggregation in the cytoplasm is toxic to cells. These findings indicate that TDP-43 accumulation in the cytoplasm mediates development of FTD and ALS. Notably, TDP-43 pathology in the affected region spread over brain and spinal cord simlar to prion diseases. However, the mechanism for cell-to-cell spreading of TDP-43 pathology has been unknown. We previously showed that macroautophagy, a cellular degradation system, suppress aggregate-prone TDP-43 accumulation. Thus, we examine whether dysregulation of macroautophagy develops TDP-43 pathology. For cure of neurodegenerative diseases such as FTD and ALS through suppression of TDP-43 pathology, we are working on fundamental reserach.
- Desired cooperation
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- Drug discovery
- Clinical study
- metabolic study
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine
- Assistant professor
- Yukari NAKAMURA
- Research Field
Dermatology, Parasitology, Epidemiology
- Keyword(s)
Dermatosis, Parasite, Preventive Veterinary Medicine
- Research theme
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- Research on dermatosis and ear diseases in animals
- Treatment of parasite infections in animals
- Epidemiological research on preventive veterinary medicine
Outline of research activitiesI am working for research on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of dermatosis and ear diseases in companion animals (dogs, cats and exotic pet animals). Furthermore, I am focusing on research on the treatment of infestation by fleas, ticks and Demodex mites. With regard to preventive veterinary medicine, the survey on the prevalence of infectious diseases in dogs and cats and further pharmacoepidemiological studies on vaccines, prophylactics for dirofilariasis, and ectoparasiticides for dogs and cats.
- Desired cooperation
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- Research on drugs for cutaneous application for companion animals
- Research on parasite infections in animals
- Research on veterinary medical products
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Professor
- Nobuyuki KIMURA
- Research Field
Experimental pathology, Cell Biology, Zoobiquity
- Keyword(s)
Aging, Brain, Nonhuman Primate, Membrane Traffic
- Research theme
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- Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
- Aging science
- Membrane traffic and neuronal activity
- Biological adaptation for climate changes
Outline of research activitiesAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the major causative diseases for dementia. Characteristic AD pathology, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, are observed in aged animal brains, suggesting that AD pathology would be the sign of brain aging. Zoobiquity is an approach to investigate and treat diseases without any distinction of species. I have been working on the studies to clarify the mechanism of brain aging and the pathogenesis of AD by using nonhuman primates. I am also interested in how neuronal activities affect membrane traffic system in neural cells.
- Desired cooperation
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- Clinical research on age-related diseases.
- Basic research on aging
- Basic research on membrane trafficking
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Professor
- Takashi BUNGO
- Research Field
Animal Physiology
- Keyword(s)
Stress, Behavior, Polymorphisms, Microflora
- Research theme
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- Stress Responses in Livestock
- Temperament and Polymorphisms
- Microflora in Livestock Health
Outline of research activitiesIt is important to understand the physiology and behavior of livestock in relation to their environment, and to manage animal husbandry according to their needs. This is intended to maximize the productivity of livestock. From the livestock keeper point of view, it is important to increase labor productivity by saving labor, and it is essential to harmonize the requirements of livestock and their keepers.
- Desired cooperation
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- Behavioral Science, Anatomy and Pathology
- Statistical Analysis for Big Data
- General Research on Livestock
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Professor
- Takehisa WATANABE
- Research Field
International Law, Education Law, Animal Law
- Keyword(s)
State Jurisdiction, Extraterritoriality, School Crisis Management, Informed Consent in Veterinary Medicine
- Research theme
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- State Jurisdiction Theory in Internet
- School Crisis Management against Natural Disasters
- Informed Consent in Veterinary Medicine
Outline of research activitiesI am researching standards for exercising state jurisdiction in Internet. I am also researching ways to protect students from natural disasters. In addition, I am conducting a legal analysis of informed consent in veterinary medicine.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of disaster prevention system in school.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Associate professor
- Fumiko ONO
- Research Field
Zoonosis, Medical primatorogy, Laboratory Animal Science
- Keyword(s)
Zoonosis, Prion, Non human primate, Wild life
- Research theme
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- Research on prion disease treatment using the model of cynomolgus monkeys.
- Search for Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli possessed by wild life.
- Risk assessment of AMR possessed by animal.
Outline of research activitiesQuantitative analysis of histopathological changes and brain atrophy using volumetric MRI in BSE prions to cynomolgus macaques. Our results point out that C-BSE and L-BSE infected monkeys could be compatible models of vCJD and sCJD of human.
Administration of the compound in macaques infected with BSE slowed down the development of neurological and psychological symptoms. The de novo rational design of chaperone compounds could lead to therapeutics that can bind to different prion protein strains to ameliorate the pathology of Prion disease.- Desired cooperation
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- Disease model of non human primates
- Risk management of wildlife zoonosis
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Associate professor
- Kaori SAEKI
- Research Field
Animal Nursing
- Keyword(s)
Nursing research, Exercise therapy, Pressure ulcer color scale
- Research theme
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- Efficacy of exercise therapy in dog and cat diabetes management
- Development of risk assessment scale for pressure ulcer prevention
- Creation of observation scale in veterinary medicine and so forth
Outline of research activitiesWe are engaged in nursing research on the creation and development of new technologies that can visualize the desire to care for animals setting our target on the nursing that emphasizes the happiness of all animals. In recent years, in particular, the aging of animals is accelerating its pace, so nursing in the senior period is required to be more practical and individualized. Above all else, we focus our attention on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers and push for relevant research.
Besides, in collaboration with animal nurses at various veterinary hospitals, we are working on research such as creating observation scales that are usable for clinical practice.- Desired cooperation
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- Nursing research in general (especially pressure ulcer prevention management and an observation scale)
- Research on dog and cat rehabilitation, exercise therapy, and so forth.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Associate professor
- Kayo FURUMOTO
- Research Field
Laboratory Animal Science, Health Science
- Keyword(s)
Animal Welfare, Health Promotion
- Research theme
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- Animal welfare in laboratory animal science
- Health promotion of owner and dog
Outline of research activitiesIn order to conduct animal experiments with due consideration for animal welfare, we are improving to improve experimental techniques and management methods for experimental animals, and the breeding environment. Since we humans and animals can only communicate non-verbally, we are interested in assessing the needs of animals. We are studying pain assessment and temperature management in postoperative mice by setting up an environment that is selective for the animals.
We also view dog walking as a “joint activity between owner and dog,” and research the health promotion of dogs and their owners through dog walking. Dog walking have been reported to have a positive effects on the physical and mental health of dogs and their owners. We are currently researching heat stroke prevention for dog owners and dogs during dog walking from the perspective of safe health promotion.- Desired cooperation
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- Animal Welfare
- Animal Nursing
- Health Promotion
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Associate professor
- Keiichi HISAEDA
- Research Field
Livestock Hygiene, Clinical Veterinary Medicine for Production Animals
- Keyword(s)
Mastitis, Milk squeezing hygiene, Livestock feeding management, Infectious diseases
- Research theme
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- Research on pathogenesis and control of mastitis in dairy cows
- Research on productivity improvement in livestock production
- Research on the Role of Livestock Production in Climate Change and its Contribution to Society
- Research on the improvement of medical treatment techniques in clinical practice for industrial animals. etc.
Outline of research activitiesMastitis is the most devastating economic burden in dairy farms. We have studied the epidemiology of acute mastitis caused by coliforms, the relationship between clinical symptoms and cytokines and acute phase proteins, and the relationship between symptoms and prognosis, and found a link. In addition, in the treatment of mastitis, it was found that the application of a lotion with antibacterial activity (Ceramella) to the inflamed udder, in addition to conventional antibiotic treatment, decreases breast induration and somatic cell count. Studies have shown that the shorter the milk is cultured, the more causative organisms are detected in bacteriological tests of milk. As for prevention of mastitis, administration of a leptospirosis vaccine has been shown to reduce clinical forms of mastitis. It was also found that the severity of symptoms of acute mastitis caused by Escherichia coli was related to the level of ionized calcium in the blood at the time of initial examination. We are studying prevention, treatment, and prognosis of mastitis in dairy cows. It was found that there is a relationship between blood physiological changes in dairy cows in response to climatic changes and stress. Based on the results of this research, we would like to further our research on improving milk productivity.
- Desired cooperation
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- Research and drug development for prevention and treatment of mastitis
- Research on Biocides and Improvement of Livestock Productivity
- Research on Climate Change and Animal Welfare in Industrial Animals
- Research on infectious disease control in production animals. etc.
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Associated Science
- Associate professor
- Michihito TAGAWA
- Research Field
Oncology, Internal Medicine, Clinical Pathology, Immunology
- Keyword(s)
Dog, Cat, Liquid biopsy, Cytology, Anticancer drug exposure
- Research theme
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- Development of novel tumor diagnostic markers for dogs and cats
- Establishment of liquid biopsy in veterinary medicine
- Anticancer drug exposure risk survey in animal hospitals
Outline of research activitiesDue to improvements in breeding methods and advances in veterinary medicine, the average lifespan of pets has increased dramatically. Unlike humans, animals often do not show their illness even when they are sick, and by the time they notice it, it often progresses and is difficult to treat. Advanced diagnostic imaging such as CT and MRI and various “cancer markers” are used in human medicine, but there are no “cancer markers” that can be used in veterinary medicine, and advanced diagnostic imaging requires high cost and general anesthesia. If there is a disease marker that accurately reflects the pathology of “cancer”, it will be possible for owners and patient animals to avoid the burden of anesthesia and examination, and to objectively judge the need for continuous treatment. Therefore, in recent years, we have focused on a technology called liquid biopsy, which has been attracting attention in medicine, to detect genes circulating in the blood, and we are researching its application to pet cancer. Specifically, we are investigating the usefulness of tumor pathological evaluation and diagnostic markers by measuring the amount of genes released from the tumor itself and detecting specific mutations.
- Desired cooperation
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- Research on genetic analysis and bioinformatics
- Research on artificial intelligence and deep learning for tumor diagnosis
- Research on cancer and palliative care in veterinary medicine