Search

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold promise for myocardial repair following injury, but preclinical studies in large animal models are required to determine optimal cell preparation and delivery strategies to maximize functional benefits and to evaluate safety. Here, we utilized a porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (MI) to investigate the functional impact of intramyocardial transplantation of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, in combination with a 3D fibrin patch loaded with insulin growth factor (IGF)-encapsulated microspheres. hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes integrated into host myocardium and generated organized sarcomeric structures, and endothelial and smooth muscle cells contributed to host vasculature. Trilineage cell transplantation significantly improved left ventricular function, myocardial metabolism, and arteriole density, while reducing infarct size, ventricular wall stress, and apoptosis without inducing ventricular arrhythmias. These findings in a large animal MI model highlight the potential of utilizing hiPSC-derived cells for cardiac repair.

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between firm size and the momentum effect in Japanese stock market. The research performed statistical analyses on the monthly, quarterly, semi annual, and annual average returns of all stocks included in TOPIX 1500 index that are also listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). To test for the effect of the firm size factor, the sample was subdivided into three equal parts, representing high-cap, medium-cap, and low-cap stocks respectively based on their market capitalization. The results of this study proved that momentum effect exists in Japanese stock market in the short-run and momentum investment strategy, where investors buy the winner stocks and short the loser stocks, generates abnormal return. Furthermore, regardless of the size effect, winner stocks presented stronger momentum than loser stocks. Considering the size effect, the abnormal return of momentum investment strategy was higher in high cap stocks than in low cap stocks. These results of the study will be a potential source for portfolio managers who are using or attempting to use the momentum investment strategy., Includes abstract., Includes bibliographical references (leaves 45-47).