TZAP plays an inhibitory role in the self-renewal of porcine mesenchymal stromal cells and is implicated the regulation of premature senescence via the p53 pathway.

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were originally characterized by the ability to differentiate into different mesenchymal lineages in vitro, and their immunomodulatory and trophic functions have recently aroused significant interest in the application of MSCs in cell-based regenerative medicine. However, a major problem in clinical practice is the replicative senescence of MSCs, which limits the cell proliferation potential of MSCs after large-scale expansion. Telomeric zinc finger-associated protein (TZAP), a novel specific telomere-binding protein, was recently found to stimulate telomere trimming and prevent excessive telomere elongation.

A novel technique for staining bulk grids bearing ultrathin sections.

This article proposes a technique for staining bulk grids bearing ultrathin sections with a silicone device consisting of a base plate and a depression bar. Specifically, bulk grids were loaded into the holes on the base plate in order, and then the depression bar was inserted into the slot of the plate to fix the inner edges of the grids and thereby form several separated cells to facilitate the subsequent staining and washing procedures. The results showed that the proposed technique can improve handling efficiency, safety and identification of grids during staining courses.

A simultaneous iris angiography technique in pigmented rabbits.

Purpose: To report a simultaneous iris angiography (IA) technique combined with the use of indocyanine green (ICG) and fluorescein sodium (FS) in pigmented rabbits.

Methods: 15 rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the dye doses: the dose of the lower-volume group was 2 mg FS and 2 mg ICG; the dose of the moderate-volume group was 5 mg FS and 5 mg ICG, and the dose of the higher-volume group was 8 mg FS and 8 mg ICG. Fifteen IAs were performed by a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and a rapid localization technique giving a flat-on image.

Comparison of disposable sutureless silicone ring and traditional metal ring in 23-gauge vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery.

Background: The purpose of this prospective, interventional, comparative case series was to evaluate the efficiency and feasibility of a disposable sutureless silicone lens ring for corneal contact lens stabilization during combined 23-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery.

Methods: We developed a ring consisting of a single silicone component with three footplates along the ring margin to fit cannulae for holding conventional contact lenses. Thirty eyes from 30 patients with cataract and vitreoretinal disease were included, and divided into two matched groups according to disease type and ring used.

Pravastatin attenuates interferon-gamma action via modulation of STAT1 to prevent aortic atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice.

1. The beneficial effects of pravastatin, beyond that of lowering cholesterol in atherosclerosis, include reducing the action of interferon (IFN)-gamma. Interferon-gamma activates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), but it is unclear whether the inhibitory effect of pravastatin in atherosclerosis is via modulation of the IFN-gamma/STAT1 pathway.