Using the ALA supplement may have implications in protecting oocytes from alcohol toxicity in affected patients.

This study evaluated a novel

implantation model using human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs), SUSD2+, and myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that were co-cultured with mouse blastocysts as the surrogate embryo.

In this experimental study, SUSD2+ MSCs were isolated from human endometrial cell suspensions (ECS) at the fourth passage by magnetic-activated cell sorting. The ECS and SUSD2+ cells were separately co-cultured with human myometrial muscle cells for five days. After collection of mouse blastocysts, the embryos were placed on top of the co-cultured cells for 48 hours. The interaction between the embryo and the cultured cells was assessed morphologically at the histological and ultrastructural levels, and by expression profiles of genes related to implantation.

Photomicrographs showed that trophoblastic cells grew around the embryonic cells and attached to theECS and SUSD2+ cells. Ultrastructural observations revealed pinopode and microvilli-like structures on the surfaces of both the ECS and SUSD2+ cells. Morphologically, the embryos developed to the egg-cylinder stage in both groups. Gene expression analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in the presence of an embryo, but an increased expression of αV was detected in SUSD2+ cells compared to ECS cells in the absence of an embryo.

This study showed that SUSD2+ cells co-cultured with SMCs could interact with mouse embryos. The co-cultured cells could potentially be used as an implantation model.

This study showed that SUSD2+ cells co-cultured with SMCs could interact with mouse embryos. The co-cultured cells could potentially be used as an implantation model.

The past decade has witnessed a rapid growth in harnessing the potential of adult stem cells for regenerative medicine. An investigational new drug (IND) or a regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) product must fulfil many requirements, such as stability studies, after cryopreservation. Such studies are important to ascertain the utility of off-the-shelf allogeneic cells for clinical applications. The present work describes a complete characterisation of xenofree human Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (hWJ-MSCs) before and up to 28 months post-cryopreservation.

In this experimental study, culture methods that involved plasma derived human serum and recombinant trypsin were used to develop clinical grade cells. Complete cell characterisation involved flow cytometry studies for viability, positive and negative markers, colony forming unit (CFU) potential, population doubling time (PDT), soft agar assay to evaluate

tumourigenicity, karyotype analysis and differentiation studies which were performed before and at 6, 12, 18 and 28 months post-cryopreservation.

Our data showed consistency in the flow cytometry, CFU assay, PDT, soft agar assay, karyotyping and differentiation studies.

Using our protocols for extended xeno-free culture and cryopreservation of hWJ-MSCs, we could establish the shelf life of the cell-based product for up to 28 months.

Using our protocols for extended xeno-free culture and cryopreservation of hWJ-MSCs, we could establish the shelf life of the cell-based product for up to 28 months.

Flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and laser lithotripsy for ureteric and renal calculi requires adequate irrigation for visualisation. This study aimed to evaluate how bolus administration of irrigant fluid impacts intrarenal pressure (IRP) during FURS. We also investigated how ureteral access sheaths (UAS) of varying sizes mitigate elevated IRP.

Using a porcine cadaveric model, IRP was evaluated using an arterial invasive pressure measurement system. Given a fluid column height (driving force) of 80 cm H2O, and varying bolus administration (1, 2, 3, 5, 10 ml), IRP was studied with and without a UAS. An IRP of < 40 mmHg was considered the cut off for “safe” FURS. The flow (drainage capacity) of UAS was also evaluated. At varying fluid column heights, three sizes of UAS were used, 10/12 French size (Fr), 11/13 Fr and 12/14 Fr, all 36 cm long.

Bolus administration with a UAS of < 5 ml with a starting fluid column height of 80 cm H

O was “safe” (< 40 mmHg). In contrast, where no UAS was used, bolus sizes as small as 2 ml produced “unsafe” peak pressures. The flow through a 10/12 Fr UAS was poor but improved greatly with larger UAS diameters.

This study suggests that 10/12 Fr UAS may be inadequate to maintain drainage from the kidney at acceptable pressures. Bolus fluid administration produces “unsafe” (> 40 mmHg) elevated IRP in the absence of a UAS. When a UAS is used, a fluid bolus of < 5 ml is likely “safe”.

40 mmHg) elevated IRP in the absence of a UAS. MEK inhibitor cancer When a UAS is used, a fluid bolus of less then 5 ml is likely “safe”.

In South Africa, urological and other subspecialty training and exposure vary across each university at undergraduate and internship level. Many students and junior doctors complete their degrees and medical internship with little or no exposure and training to enable them to manage common urological conditions at primary healthcare level with the adequate competency, proficiency and confidence. We aimed to evaluate the exposure and urological training of junior doctors during internship and to determine whether it had any impact on their attitudes toward urology as a speciality in which to pursue a career.

We used a descriptive cross-sectional survey design. We emailed a questionnaire to 200 community service doctors who completed internship during 2016-2018, working across Western Cape hospitals. The questionnaire aimed to assess their clinical exposure to urology, confidence in basic urological knowledge and clinical skills, and their attitudes toward urology as a postgraduate career choice.

The respmitigate some of these challenges.

The study showed that urological exposure and training at internship level is below the standard it needs to be in order to produce proficient and competent doctors able to practise efficiently during community service. The study also highlighted that limited exposure has a negative impact on potential future urologists wanting to pursue a career in the field. Incorporation of necessary urology skills short courses into the internship programme might help mitigate some of these challenges.