Transcriptome profiling of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) discovers candidate regulators of the cold stress response.

Tropical plant rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is the sole source of commercial natural rubber and low-temperature stress is the most important limiting factor for its cultivation. To characterize the gene expression profiles of H. brasiliensis under the cold stress and discover the key cold stress-induced genes.

Clinical Evaluation of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis Using Dual-Source Computed Tomography.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in the evaluation of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR) by comparing the results of DSCT and selective coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods: In-stent restenosis examination results from DSCT were compared with those obtained using CAG.

Results: Among 173 stents studied, 156 yielded good quality images when evaluated with DSCT.

Transcriptional regulation of survivin by c-Myc in BCR/ABL-transformed cells: implications in anti-leukaemic strategy.

BCR/ABL can cause chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) in part by altering the transcription of specific genes with growth- and/or survival-promoting functions. Recently, BCR/ABL has been shown to activate survivin, an important regulator of cell growth and survival, but the precise molecular mechanisms behind its expression and consequences thereof in CML cells remain unclear. Here, we reported that BCR/ABL promotes survivin expression and its cytoplasmic accumulation.

[Transfusion of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells promotes progression of atherosclerotic plaque in rabbits].

The present study was purposed to evaluate the safety of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy impacting on atherosclerosis. Allogeneic MSCs were obtained from rabbit bone marrow aspirates and expanded in vitro. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups: 24 rabbits with hypercholesterolemia receiving intravenous injection of either 5 x 10(7) MSCs (n = 12) or saline (n = 12) after 5 weeks on a high lipid diet and additional rabbits (n = 6) fed with standard rabbit diet were served as controls.

Neural ganglioside GD2 identifies a subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells in umbilical cord.

In contrast to hematopoietic stem cells, there is still a lack of definitive cell markers for specific isolation and identification of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Thus a homogenous population of MSCs is only obtained after several passages, when multilineage potential or other distinctive features of very early progenitors may be already somewhat compromised. Recently a novel surface marker the neural ganglioside GD2 has been reported to distinguish MSCs from all other cells within marrow.

Human umbilical cord derived stem cells for the injured heart.

The limited ability of the heart to regenerate damaged tissue following a myocardial infarct results in progressive dysfunctions and consequently leads to heart failure. Cell therapy with stem cells for cardiac repair is emerging as an alternative strategy and demonstrates promising results. Recent advances suggest human umbilical cord may be a new source for stem cells.