Kayla Dailey

The Epidermal Skin Sensitization Assay (EpiSensA) was developed by Kao Corporation (Japan) to identify skin sensitizers by quantification of changes in the marker genes associated with keratinocyte activation following exposure to chemicals in the Reconstructed human Epidermis (RhE) model. This assay was adopted under OECD Test Guideline (TG) 442D in 2024. Successful transfer of EpiSensA to IIVS included but was not limited to performing shipping studies, acquisition of the required reagents… Show more

The Epidermal Skin Sensitization Assay (EpiSensA) was developed by Kao Corporation (Japan) to identify skin sensitizers by quantification of changes in the marker genes associated with keratinocyte activation following exposure to chemicals in the Reconstructed human Epidermis (RhE) model. This assay was adopted under OECD Test Guideline (TG) 442D in 2024. Successful transfer of EpiSensA to IIVS included but was not limited to performing shipping studies, acquisition of the required reagents, optimization and execution of the validated protocol, proficiency testing and generating proper documentation to conduct the assay in a Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) compliant manner. Shipping studies were performed to ensure the timely delivery of the test system, LabCyte EPIMODEL - 24 from J-TEC (Japan) to IIVS (USA), while preserving integrity of the test system during the shipping process. As part of demonstrating technical proficiency and the transfer of EpiSensA to IIVS, 10 proficiency chemicals listed in OECD TG 442D were tested at IIVS. While doing so, we encountered various challenges and optimized the correct dosing method, explored suitable assay(s) for viability determinations, standardized the appropriate preparation method for Clotrimazole (positive control) and procured the Olive Oil (for preparation of one Vehicle Control) used by the method developer to meet assay controls acceptance criteria. After optimizing all these variables and upon overcoming the associated challenges, the EpiSensA assay was successfully transferred to IIVS. Show less

This study explored the relationship between the presence of metacercaria cysts and freshwater fish while also accounting for water quality parameters such as salinity levels, dissolved oxygen content, and pH. This research was founded on a visual assessment of the presence of parasites in freshwater fish species at multiple locations and comparing these statistics to one another. Along with the presence of parasites, water quality parameters were also measured to draw any correlations or… Show more

This study explored the relationship between the presence of metacercaria cysts and freshwater fish while also accounting for water quality parameters such as salinity levels, dissolved oxygen content, and pH. This research was founded on a visual assessment of the presence of parasites in freshwater fish species at multiple locations and comparing these statistics to one another. Along with the presence of parasites, water quality parameters were also measured to draw any correlations or reasonings that may contribute to differing measurements of the presence of parasites. Poor water quality is typically reflected by low values for each of the water quality parameters mentioned previously, and more parasites are likely present where lower water quality is measured. A higher number of parasites were found at Riverside Garden Park, as well as a lower dissolved oxygen content and lower salinity content. A relatively similar pH value at both Plant Park and Riverside Garden Park leads one to believe that a relatively neutral pH does not significantly affect parasitic activity. This prediction is supported by the statistics and measurements taken throughout the study. Show less