Full-term human umbilical cord contains three blood vessels: two arteries coiled around a vein and surrounded by Wharton's jelly, a mucous tissue with few mesenchymal stromal cells and abundant extracellular matrix. Umbilical vessels lack innervations, thus endothelial cells must play a role in the control of blood flow. The aim of this study was to investigate in human umbilical cord the expre...

BACKGROUND Global policy regarding optimal umbilical cord care to prevent neonatal illness is an active discussion among researchers and policy makers. In preparation for a large cluster-randomized control trial to measure the impact of 4% chlorhexidine as an umbilical wash versus dry cord care on neonatal mortality in Southern Province, Zambia, we performed a qualitative study to determine loc...

Preeclampsia is accompanied by an extensive remodeling of the extracellular matrix of umbilical cord. It is associated with an increase in collagen content in the umbilical cord artery. Furthermore, preeclampsia distinctly reduces proteolytic and gelatinolytic activity, especially after activation with various agents.We decided to develop a method for separation and determination of fatty acids...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the risks and benefits of umbilical cord blood banking for future stem cell transplantation and to provide guidelines for Canadian perinatal care providers regarding the counselling, procedural, and ethical implications of this potential therapeutic option. OPTIONS Selective or routine collection and storage of umbilical cord blood for future autologous (self) or allogen...

The extracellular matrix components show specific distribution patterns within various structures of the umbilical cord, among which Wharton's jelly is especially collagen-rich tissue. Cathepsin L is a potent cysteine protease engaged in degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagens. We evaluated the activity and expression of cathepsin L, and the inhibitory effect of cystei...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether morphology and measurement of the umbilical cord could be accurately assessed at the time of the 11- to 13(+6)-week scan. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 100 consecutive women with singleton pregnancies at 11-13(+6) weeks' gestation who were seen for routine aneuploidy screening. Transabdominal ultrasound scans were performe...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the available clinical and biological advances of umbilical cord blood allogeneic stem cell transplantation in pediatric and adult patients. RECENT FINDINGS Recent large international studies suggested that allogeneic umbilical cord blood transplantation may potentially emerge as the frontline stem cell source for pediatric patients with hematopoietic malignancies ...