This unique publication was written by experts who have made significant contributions to the development of reconstructive microsurgery and vascularized composite allotransplantation. The book is divided into three major sections. The first presents the state of the art of autologous microsurgical reconstruction. It summarizes current achievements, highlights the shortcomings of currently available techniques, and prepares the reader for the next evolutionary step: allotransplantation. Section two is a comprehensive review of allotransplantation, from immunology to surgical techniques. Finally, for those interested in establishing a comprehensive center for vascularized composite allotransplantation, section three provides important lessons from the successful Chang Gung Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Center. From Auto-to Allotransplantation is indeed the only up-to-date and complete reference available on the topic. Scholars and research fellows interested in transplantation will benefit greatly from this work. It is also an invaluable resource for plastic, orthopedic, hand, ENT, oromaxillofacial, and general surgeons as well as for residents.
Human cardiac progenitor cells isolated from the same host may have advantages over other sources of stem cells. The aim of this study is to establish a new source of human progenitor cells collected from a waste product, pericardiac effusion fluid, after open-heart surgery in children with congenital heart diseases. The fluid was collected every 24 h for 2 days after surgery in 37 children. Mononuclear cells were isolated and expanded in vitro. These pericardial effusion-derived progenitor cells (PEPCs) exhibiting cardiogenic lineage markers, were highly proliferative and enhanced angiogenesis in vitro. Three weeks after stem cell transplantation into the ischemic heart in mice, cardiac ejection fraction was improved significantly without detectable progenitor cells. Gene expression profiles of the repaired hearts revealed activation of several known repair mechanisms including paracrine effects, cell migration, and angiogenesis. These progenitor cells may have the potential for heart regeneration.
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