Mechanoinduction of lymph vessel expansion.

In the mammalian embryo, few mechanical signals have been identified to influence organ development and function. Here, we report that an increase in the volume of interstitial or extracellular fluid mechanically induces growth of an organ system, that is, the lymphatic vasculature. We first demonstrate that lymph vessel expansion in the developing mouse embryo correlates with a peak in interstitial fluid pressure and lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) elongation.

Differential effect of platelet-rich plasma and fetal calf serum on bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stromal cells expanded in vitro.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from various sources have great potential for use in cell-based therapies. Since the proportion of primary MSCs contained in bone marrow or adipose tissue is low, plastic adherence and in vitro expansion are necessary to expand MSCs prior to clinical application. Human platelet-rich plasma has been introduced as an alternative serum source but functional differences have so far not been described.

CTX-M-15-type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli from wild birds in Germany.

The isolation of Escherichia coli from wild birds in Germany revealed the occurrence of four CTX-M-15-producing strains from four different birds (2.3% of 172 isolates). CTX-M producers were recovered from two Eurasian Blackbirds, one Rock Pigeon and a Greater White-fronted Goose.

Cancellous bone allograft seeded with human mesenchymal stromal cells: a potential good manufacturing practice-grade tool for the regeneration of bone defects.

Background Aims: Combining autologous bone precursor cells with cancellous bone allograft (CBA) offers an appealing strategy for skeletal regeneration. In this context, multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) provide an excellent cell source because they are readily harvested from donors, expanded and differentiated in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proliferation, morphology, osteogenic differentiation and stem cell-related gene expression during static long-term ex vivo cultivation using human MSC and CBA under good manufacturing practice (GMP)-conforming conditions.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli from common European wild bird species.

The emergence and spread of multiresistant bacteria in natural environments constitute a serious impact on animal and human health. To gain more insight into the role of wild birds as carriers and reservoir of multiresistant Escherichia coli we tested a broad spectrum of common European bird species for the occurrence of E. coli strains and their antimicrobial resistance by minimal inhibitory concentration testing and PCR analysis of several resistance genes.