BACKGROUND Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells and from which a significant number of dendritic cells (DCs) can be produced. But the therapeutic role of DCs and exosomes (EXO) generated from DCs is not fully elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS The UCB-derived DCs were loaded with tumor antigens generated from BGC823 cell line. Exosomes were derived from these ...

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...

A 23-year-old woman (gravida 3, para 2) was referred to our hospital at 29 weeks of gestation by a nearby doctor due hydramnios and suspected umbilical cord hernia. Ultrasound magnetic resonance imaging indicated hydramnios, hernia, dilated stomach, with suspicion upper gastrointestinal atresia. She hospitalized 33 owing membrane rupture. Fetal bradycardia observed during delivery, an emergency...

A growing number of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and atopic conditions in recent years are calling for the development innovative therapies, such as those using stem cells with immunoregulatory activity. Because few often conflicting results scientific literature, it is still uncertain whether mesenchymal (MSC) could be a useful therapeutic strategy targeting B lymphocytes helpful treating a...

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 ...