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Fetal membrane transplantation prevents blindness

A new study by Loyola University Medical Center found that fetal membrane transplantation significantly reduces the risk of blindness in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The treatment, which involves placing amniotic membrane on the eye, can aid healing and minimize scarring.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalCornea·DateApr 26, 2012

Blood mystery solved

Researchers have identified two proteins responsible for the Langereis and Junior blood types, shedding light on a long-standing medical mystery. The discovery may improve treatment options for breast cancer patients and enhance blood transfusion safety for rare blood type carriers.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2012

An inside look at face transplantation

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital share details of novel processes involved in a successful face transplant program, including rigorous screening and consent processes. The team also discusses early functional outcomes, immunosuppression protocols, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 28, 2011

Circadian clock may impact organ transplant success

A new study correlating circadian clocks with transplant success found that arteries of mice with dysfunctional internal clocks became diseased within weeks after transplantation. Transplanted blood vessels from healthy mice remained healthy in mutant mice, suggesting optimal organ function may be key to successful transplants.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2011

1 donor cornea, 2 patients helped

A new surgical strategy using a single donor cornea can successfully treat two patients with different corneal diseases, such as Fuchs' dystrophy and keratoconus. The approach may nearly double the available corneal tissue supply and make timely treatment available to many more patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateFeb 1, 2011

Fat cells become useful stem cells in tissue reconstruction

Researchers have isolated and characterized adult fat cell-derived stem cells, which maintain their stem cell characteristics and could aid in tissue regeneration. The study's findings suggest that these cells may be useful for cell-based therapies and represent a promising area of research for plastic surgery applications.

Gene variation among kidney donors associated with graft failure

A recent study published in JAMA has identified a significant association between gene variation in kidney donors and increased risk of graft failure. The researchers found that donors with certain genetic variants had poorer graft survival rates, highlighting the potential for genetic biomarkers to predict transplant outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 6, 2010

First near-total face and upper-jaw transplant appears successful

A groundbreaking face and upper-jaw transplant has successfully integrated donor tissue with no long-term rejection, enabling the recipient to regain senses of smell and taste. The procedure, performed on a patient with extensive damage from postoperative scarring and blood vessel depletion, demonstrates the feasibility of facial trans...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Major improvements made in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells

University of Washington researchers have made significant improvements in engineering heart repair patches from stem cells, connecting to rodents' heart circulation with pre-formed blood vessels. The new patches successfully delivered rat blood to the transplanted graft, showing remarkable viability and functional capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2009

Green tea component may help preserve stored platelets, tissues

Researchers found that green tea component EGCG can prolong the preservation of stored blood platelets by up to six days via anti-apoptosis properties. Additionally, EGCG was shown to preserve skin tissues by controlling cell division and preventing oxidation, allowing for the storage of skin grafts up to seven weeks.

Pitt team first to profile genes in acutely ill idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients

The Pitt team has made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease exacerbation in IPF patients. By analyzing gene activity patterns and protein levels in lung tissue and blood samples, researchers have identified potential biomarkers for predicting patient outcomes and identifying new therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 7, 2009

Tree survival skills

A recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that stressors during tree handling and transport, such as root severance, water stress, and mechanical damage, can significantly impact tree health and establishment. Researchers identified key stages in the transplanting process that contribute to reduced growth a...

Advancement in tissue engineering promotes oral wound healing

A research team developed an autologous full-thickness oral substitute that mimics the characteristics of gingiva, providing a promising solution for oral cavity reconstruction. The study's results support the need for larger clinical trials to further evaluate the effectiveness of this new tissue-engineered product.

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that irradiation damages fat tissue in mice, reducing its weight and size, and altering its ability to support reconstruction. Additionally, a study on multiple sclerosis found that CXCL1 decreases disease severity by promoting remyelination. A new molecule, FPR-2, has been identified as a potential anti-inflammatory ...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 30, 2008

Hearing restoration may be possible with cochlear repair after transplant of human cord blood cells

Researchers found that transplantation of human cord blood cells can repair cochlear damage in animal models, with dramatic repair observed despite few human-derived cells migrating to the cochlea. The study suggests a potential treatment strategy for inner ear rehabilitation and hearing impairments caused by cochlear damage.

Public support for use of human tissue in research has gone up

A study found that public support for using human tissue in research has risen over the past decade, despite adverse publicity surrounding previous incidents. The survey revealed that 96% of patients are in favour of their tissue being used for medical research, while 92% are happy to see it used to train medical students.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology·DateFeb 4, 2008

Medical breakthrough for organ transplants and cardiovascular diseases by Flemish researchers

Researchers connected to the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven have been able to prevent muscular tissue with severe hypoxia from dying, enabling new therapeutic possibilities for heart attacks, strokes, and organ preservation. They discovered that a metabolic shift allows muscles to use less oxygen in safer manner.

1 donor cornea may treat 3 patients

Researchers successfully transplanted a single donor cornea into three patients with different eye conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of customized component corneal transplantation. The procedure allows for optimal use of available donor tissue, particularly in countries with limited quality and quantity of donor corneas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateApr 9, 2007