(C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3483248]“
“Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether periurethral injection of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could increase the leak point pressure (LPP) in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats (230-240 g, n = 30) were divided into 3 groups: sham operation (group C), saline-treated (group 5) and MSC-treated (group M). Bilateral pudendal nerve dissection followed by normal saline or MSC injection on both sides of the urethra was done. LPP and closing pressure (CP) testing was performed after the treatment. The specific markers for smooth muscle LY294002 in vivo cells in the transplantation sites
of the urethra were determined. Results: Both the LPP and CP were significantly lower in group S than controls. However, these were restored to the control values in group M (p < 0.05).
The LPPs of groups C, S and M were 29.1 +/- 2.1, 22.0 +/- 2.2 and 43.1 +/- 3.2 cm H(2)O, respectively. The CPs of groups C, S and M were 27.1 +/- 3.1, 21.1 +/- 3.2, and 32.1 +/- 2.1 cm H(2)O, respectively. The injected MSCs stained positive for muscle-specific markers. Conclusion: This study suggests that MSCs might differentiate into muscle lineage cells and may contribute to the repair of damaged muscle tissue. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“We know that there are fundamental differences between humans and living apes, and also between living humans and their extinct BEZ235 cost relatives. It is also probably the case that the most significant and divergent of these differences relate to our social behaviour and its underlying cognition, as much as to fundamental differences in physiology, biochemistry or anatomy. In this paper, we first attempt to demarcate what are the principal differences
between human and other societies in terms of social structure, organization and relationships, so that we can identify what derived features require explanation. We then consider the evidence of the archaeological and fossil record, to determine the most probable context in time and taxonomy, of these evolutionary trends. Finally, we attempt to link five major transitional points in hominin evolution GSK2118436 to the selective context in which they occurred, and to use the principles of behavioural ecology to understand their ecological basis. Critical changes in human social organization relate to the development of a larger scale of fission and fusion; the development of a greater degree of nested substructures within the human community; and the development of intercommunity networks. The underlying model that we develop is that the evolution of ‘human society’ is underpinned by ecological factors, but these are influenced as much by technological and behavioural innovations as external environmental change.”
“High power impulse magnetron sputtering of zirconium was investigated at the average target power density of up to 2.