Stem Cells and Development, a peer-reviewed journal published by publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., US, has announced the publication of a special issue devoted entirely to publication of a broad range of papers submitted by researchers from the Far East. The August 2008 issue of the journal includes reports on the basic biology of stem cells and translational research aimed at developing clinical applications. The issue is available free online at www.liebertpub.com/scd.
Also included in this issue is a paper entitled, 'Successful Acceptance of Adult Liver Allografts by Intra-bone Marrow-Bone Marrow Transplantation,' by Satoshi Okazaki and colleagues from Kansai Medical University, Moriguchi City, Osaka, Japan. The authors describe the acceptance, growth, and functioning of donor liver tissue in irradiated mice that also received co-grafts of bone marrow cells from the same 8-week-old donor, on the same day, into the bone marrow cavity. Another report found that hepatic tissue derived from mouse embryonic stem cells and grown in culture expresses a family of proteins involved in inflammation and cell protection. These findings, which have implications for the study of ES-derived liver tissue and the development of bioartificial hepatic systems and as a model for research on inflammation and liver toxicity, are presented in a report entitled, 'MAPEG Expression in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Hepatic Tissue System,' by Dan-Yan Zhu and co-authors from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Stem Cells and Development focuses on stem cells of all tissue types and their potential therapeutic applications. The journal provides a forum for animated discussion of contentious issues in conventional medicine. The journal covers controversial issues on stem cell research; stem cells of all tissues and organs; embryogenesis and adult counterparts of this process; physical processes linking stem cells, primary cell function, and structural development; transition from genes to physical effects: hypotheses and data; development of vasculature, CNS, and other germ layer development and defects; processes included in development: how the molecules work; pluripotentiality of adult stem cells; the role of various mediators and how genetic factors affect development at a physical level; correspondence and concise, comprehensive reviews.
