Search

Objective: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have bone regeneration ability and potential therapeutic applications. CD146, a cell adhesion protein expressed by vascular endothelial cells, is involved in osteoblastic differentiation of stem cells. The effect of CD146 on SHED‐mediated bone regeneration in vivo remains unknown. We aimed to establish efficient conditions for SHED transplantation. Materials and methods: SHED were isolated from the pulp of an extracted deciduous tooth and cultured; CD146‐positive (CD146+) and CD146‐negative (CD146−) populations were sorted. Heterogeneous populations of SHED and CD146+ and CD146− cells were transplanted into bone defects generated in the skulls of immunodeficient mice. Micro‐computed tomography was performed immediately and 4 and 8 weeks later. Histological and immunohistochemical assessments were performed 8 weeks later. Results: Bone regeneration was observed upon transplantation with CD146+ and heterogeneous populations of SHED, with significantly higher bone regeneration observed with CD146+ cells. Bone regeneration was higher in the CD146− group than in the control group, but significantly lower than that in the other transplant groups at 4 and 8 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical assessments revealed that CD146+ cells promoted bone regeneration and angiogenesis. Conclusion: Transplantation of CD146+ SHED into bone defects may be useful for bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are a plant‐specific family of extracellular proteoglycans characterized by large and complex galactose‐rich polysaccharide chains. Functional elucidation of AGPs, however, has been hindered by the high degree of redundancy of AGP genes. To uncover as yet unexplored roles of AGPs in Arabidopsis, a mutant of Hyp O‐galactosyltransferase (HPGT), a critical enzyme that catalyzes the common initial step of Hyp‐linked arabinogalactan chain biosynthesis, was used. Here we show, using the hpgt1,2,3 triple mutant, that a reduction in functional AGPs leads to a stomatal patterning defect in which two or more stomata are clustered together. This defect is attributed to increased and dysregulated symplastic transport following changes in plasmodesmata structure, such that highly permeable complex branched plasmodesmata with cavities in branching parts increased in the mutant. We also found that the hpgt1,2,3 mutation causes a reduction of cellulose in the cell wall and accumulation of pectin, which controls cell wall porosity. Our results highlight the importance of AGPs in the correct biogenesis of plasmodesmata, possibly acting through the regulation of cell wall properties surrounding the plasmodesmata. Significance Statement: There is a growing awareness that arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) regulate various aspects of plant development, but the highly redundant nature of this family's members often makes it difficult to elucidate their functions by a conventional reverse genetics approach. To sidestep gene redundancy problems, we focused on a mutant of Hyp O‐galactosyltransferase that catalyzes the initial step in the elongation of complex arabinogalactan chains, and identified previously unknown roles of AGPs in Arabidopsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

End-of-life discussions are essential for patients with advanced cancer, but there is little evidence about whether these discussions affect general ward patients and family outcomes. We investigated the status of end-of-life discussions and associated factors and their effects on patients' quality of death and their families' mental health. Participants in this retrospective cross-sectional observational study were 119 bereaved family members. Data were collected through a survey that included questions on the timing of end-of-life discussions, quality of palliative care, quality of patient death, and depression and grief felt by the families. Approximately 64% of the bereaved family members participated in end-of-life discussions between the patient and the attending physician, and 55% of these discussions took place within a month before death. End-of-life discussions were associated with the patients' prognostic perception as "incurable, though there is hope for a cure" and "patients' experience with end-of-life discussions with family before cancer." There was a small decrease in depression and grief for families of patients who had end-of-life discussions. Those who did not have end-of-life discussions reported lower quality of end-of-life care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]