We describe the isolation of a nonhematopoietic (CD45 -, CD34 -, SH2 + , SH3 + , Thy-1 + , CD44 + ) human umbilical cord perivascular (HUCPV) cell population. Each HUCPV cell harvest (2-5 × 10 6 , depending on the length of cord available) gave rise to a morphologically homogeneous fibroblastic cell population, which expressed α-actin, desmin, vimentin, and 3G5 (a pericyte marker) in culture. We determined the colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) frequency of primary HUCPV cells to be 1:333 and the doubling time, which was 60 hours at passage 0 (P0), decreased to 20 hours at P2. This resulted in a significant cell expansion, producing over 10 10 HUCPV cells within 30 days of culture. Furthermore, HUCPV cells cultured in nonosteogenic conditions contained a subpopulation that exhibited a functional osteogenic phenotype and elaborated bone nodules. The frequency of this CFU-osteogenic subpopulation at P1 was 2.6/10 5 CFU-F, which increased to 7.5/10 5 CFU-F at P2. Addition of osteogenic supplements to the culture medium resulted in these frequencies increasing to 1.2/10 4 and 1.3/10 4 CFU-F, respectively, for P1 and P2. CFU-O were not seen at P0 in either osteogenic or non-osteogenic culture conditions, but P0 HUCPV cells did contain a 20% subpopulation that presented neither class I nor class II cell-surface major histocompatibility complexes (MHC -/-). This population increased to 95% following passage and cryopreservation (P5). We conclude that, due to their rapid doubling time, high frequencies of CFU-F and CFU-O, and high MHC -/-phenotype, HUCPV cells represent a significant source of cells for allogeneic mesenchymal cell-based therapies. Stem Cells 2005;23:220-229

The use of platelets and platelet products has become increasingly popular clinically as a means of accelerating endosseous wound healing. It is likely that growth factors released by activated platelets at the site of injury play a role in bone regeneration by stimulating the migration and proliferation of bone cells. In this study, a novel in vitro assay was developed to study the effects of platelet releasate (PR) collected from activated platelet concentrate on rat bone marrow-derived cells. Cultures of primary rat bone marrow cells were overlaid with a fibrin matrix, and the number of cells migrating within the three-dimensional matrix and the leading front of migration were quantified. The addition of PR to the top of the fibrin gels at different time points caused a 25% increase in the leading front of migration and a 3.5-fold increase in the number of migrating cells. Platelet releasate was also shown to have a mitogenic effect on bone cells in proliferation studies. Comparison between migration and proliferation data indicated that PR stimulates the initial recruitment of bone marrow cells to migration. This assay further allowed the determination that rat bone marrow cells are capable of exerting contractile forces on fibrin matrices and that matrix contraction is directly related to the migratory activity of cells. The results provide a potential mechanism to explain why biologically active platelet-derived factors enhance endosseous wound healing.

PCNL using sonography is a good alternative to the fluoroscopic method. It is performed without radiation exposure to the surgeon and patient; however, more experience is needed.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of fluoxetine alone and combined with sildenafil in patients complaining of premature ejaculation. Patients and Methods: Ninety-one married potent men, 21–43 years old, with premature ejaculation but without any obvious organic cause were enrolled. Pretreatment evaluation included history, physical examination, and self-administration of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A patients (n = 48) received 20 mg fluoxetine daily for 4 weeks and then 20 mg as needed 2–3 h before sexual activity for 4 months, and group B patients (n = 43) received group A regimen plus 50 mg sildenafil as needed 1 h before sexual activity for 4 months. Results: Ejaculatory latency time and intercourse satisfaction significantly improved in group B as compared with group A (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fluoxetine combined with sildenafil seems to provide significantly better ejaculatory latency time and intercourse satisfaction as compared with fluoxetine alone in patients with premature ejaculation.