Neuropilin-1 mediates PDGF stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell migration and signalling via p130Cas.

NRP1 (neuropilin-1) is a co-receptor for members of the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) family in endothelial cells, but is increasingly implicated in signalling induced by other growth factors. NRP1 is expressed in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells), but its function and the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The present study aimed to determine the role of NRP1 in the migratory response of HCASMCs (human coronary artery smooth muscle cells) to PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), and to identify the signalling mechanisms involved.

Magnetic tagging increases delivery of circulating progenitors in vascular injury.

Objectives: We sought to magnetically tag endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with a clinical agent and target them to a site of arterial injury using a magnetic device positioned outside the body.

Background: Circulating EPCs are involved in physiological processes such as vascular re-endothelialization and post-ischemic neovascularization. However, the success of cell therapies depends on the ability to deliver the cells to the site of injury.

Video-assisted cardioscopy in a patient with left ventricular tumor of unknown etiology.

Ventricular tumors are a rare clinical entity with limited possibilities for excision diagnosis. For benign conditions surgical excision is the treatment of choice. A case presenting as a clinical conundrum with left ventricular tumor and complex past medical history is discussed.

Endoscopic ultrasound in esophageal carcinoma: comparison with multislice computed tomography and importance in the clinical decision making process.

Aim: As resective surgery for oesophageal carcinoma is only appropriate for a selected cohort of patients, preoperative staging plays an important role in the management of these patients. This study assessed the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) staging in comparison with computerised tomography (CT) staging and the impact of EUS in management of patients with oesophageal carcinoma undergoing gastro-esophagectomy.

Methods: Ninety-six consecutive patients with oesophageal carcinoma underwent preoperative staging with multislice CT and EUS.