β-Catenin promotes long-term survival and angiogenesis of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells via the Oct4 signaling pathway.

Stem cell therapy has been extensively studied to improve heart function following myocardial infarction; however, its therapeutic potency is limited by low rates of engraftment, survival, and differentiation. Here, we aimed to determine the roles of the β-catenin/Oct4 signaling axis in the regulation of long-term survival and angiogenesis of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs). These cells were obtained from rat abdominal aortic blood.

Specific activity of a Bacillus thuringiensis strain against Locusta migratoria manilensis.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has played an important role in biocontrol of pests. However, insecticidal activity of B. thuringiensis against locusts has been rarely reported.