First decade of clinical trials and published studies with mesenchymal stromal cells from umbilical cord tissue.

This is the first analysis of both clinical trials and published studies that employ umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells, for the decade 2007-2017. Searching international databases, we found 178 registered trials and 98 publications. Among the registered clinical trials, 20% have resulted in publications so far.

Phase 1 Trial of Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.

Introduction. A total of 18 patients, with complete motor deficits and paraplegia caused by thoracic and lumbar spine trauma without muscle atrophy or psychiatric problems, were included into this study. Materials and Methods.

Correction of diabetes mellitus by transplanting minimal mass of syngeneic islets into vascularized small intestinal segment.

Transplantation of mature islets into portal vein has been most effective thus far, although attrition of transplanted islets constitutes a major limitation, and alternative approaches are required. We analyzed the mechanisms by which islets engrafted, vascularized and functioned over the long term in the small intestinal submucosa. To determine engraftment, survival and function, 350 syngenic islets were transplanted into either intestinal segments or portal vein of diabetic rats.

Establishing of the first private autologous cord blood bank in Georgia at the German-Georgian Specialized Oncological Clinic.

German-Georgian Specialized Oncological Clinic is a private clinic located in Tbilisi, Georgia. Close collaboration with German clinics and research laboratories has enabled the clinic to study cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. These studies created a scientific basis for establishing a cord blood bank.

New Alström syndrome phenotypes based on the evaluation of 182 cases.

Background: Alström syndrome is a recessively inherited genetic disorder characterized by congenital retinal dystrophy that leads to blindness, hearing impairment, childhood obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We provide new details on cardiologic, hepatic, gastrointestinal, urologic, pulmonary, and neurobehavioral phenotypes in Alström syndrome and describe the histopathologic findings in 5 individuals.

Methods: We obtained data on 182 patients from clinical examinations, medical record reviews, standardized questionnaires, and personal interviews with physicians and parents.