BACKGROUND:Repair of large-area burns and severe post-traumatic skin defects has always been urgent clinical breakthrough technology bottleneck. With the development of tissue engineering, epidermal stem cel s are increasingly being used in tissue engineering, cel replacement therapy and genetic engineering. Therefore, the isolation and identification of epidermal stem cel s is becoming the research focus of concern.
OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress in biological markers of epidermal stem cel s.
METHODS:The Chinese Biomedical Literature database, CNKI database, China Academic Journals Ful-text database, PubMed database and EMbase database were retrieved for articles about specific markers of epidermal stem cel s using the keywords of“epidermal stem cel s, integrin, keratin, P63, CD71, telomerase, ACE, cx43, hoechst”in Chinese and English. Older theoretical perspectives and repetitive research were excluded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Final y, only 40 articles were included in result analysis. Epidermal stem cel s bring a new source for skin tissue repair. Epidermal stem cel s distribute in the fol icle eminence and basal layer of the epidermis. About 4%cel s in the basal layer, however, are stem cel s. Therefore, it is critical to correctly isolate, culture and identify skin stem cel s. As a reason, specific markers of epidermal stem cel s become a hotspot. Currently, a great progress in the biological markers of epidermal stem cel s has been made, but there is stil no absolute and proven marker for epidermal stem cel s. Most studies are focusing on integrin, keratin, P63, CD71, connexin 43, and telomerase. In addition, hoechst, CD90, CD98, CD200 have been reported recently. Each marker has its own shortcomings, and there are stil many problems that need to be solved.

Objective To compare the dosimetric difference of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for the loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients using 6 MV X-ray flattening filter-free (FFF) and flattening filter (FF) modes.Methods Ten previously treated patients with loco-regionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were retrospectively included and replanned using FFF and FF VMAT,respectively.Meeting all clinical criteria,the dose-volume histograms (DVH),dose distribution of target volume and organs at risk (OARs),target conformity index (CI),total monitor unites (MUs) and treatment time were compared across the plans.Results VMAT plans suing either FFF and FF modes can meet the clinical objectives.The maximum and mean target dose of FFF VMAT plans were significantly higher than that of FF VMAT plans (t =-0.31,-O.35,P ＜ O.05).Yet the planning target volume (PTV) CI of FF mode was slightly better than of FFF mode (t =5.42,P ＜0.05).The maximum doses of lenses in FFF VMAT plans were lower than that of FF VMAT plans (t =25.87,17.45,P ＜ 0.05),and other OARs displayed no significant difference.The mean total MUs of FFF and FF VMAT plans were (699 ± 16) and (628 ± 12) MUs respectively.The mean treatment time of two modes were consistent (about 2 min).Conclusions The plan qualities of FFF and FF VMAT plans were comparable and both clinically acceptable.The OARs at the edge of radiation field,such as lens,could be spared better using FFF VMAT mode.The total MUs of FFF VMAT plans were higher than FF VMAT plans,yet were delivered within the same time.

Nischarin is a novel protein interacting with integrin ?5 subunit.A series of studies have indicated that Nischarin plays an important role in inhibiting tumor cells migration and invasion.Meanwhile it may also serve as the functional I1-imidazoline receptor.To study this protein will be in favour of understanding the biological mechanisms of inhibiting cell migration and developing novel drugs such as inhibitors for tumor invasion.The article mainly reviews the recent progress in studies on Nischarin.

Objective To explore the effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) in uric acid?induced phenotypic change in renal tubular epithelial cells (HK?2). Methods (1) HK?2 cells were cultured with 0, 75, 150, 225, 300 mg/L uric acid for 24 h in vitro. (2) The cells were divided into normal control group, ER stress inhibitor 4?PBA (5 μmol/L) group, uric acid (150 mg/L) group and 4?PBA+uric acid group for 24 h. Morphological changes of HK?2 cells were observed under inverted microscope. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of HK?2 cells treated with 150 mg/L uric acid for 24, 48 and 72 h. The protein expressions of α?smooth muscle actin (α?SMA), vimentin, snail, glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(p?eIF2α) in HK?2 cells were measured by Western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, HK?2 cells in uric acid groups (150, 225, 300 mg/L) showed fibroblast?like appearance. The protein expressions of α?SMA, vimentin, snail, GRP78 and p?eIF2α in 150 mg/L and 225 mg/L uric acid groups were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The proliferation of HK?2 cells in 150 mg/L uric acid group was lower than that in control group at 48 and 72 h (all P<0.01). Compared with the uric acid group, the cell morphology in 4?PBA+uric acid group was improved, and the protein expressions ofα?SMA, vimentin, snail, GRP78 and p?eIF2α were decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusions Uric acid may induce the phenotype transformation of renal tubular epithelial cell, and ER stress is involved. 4?PBA may inhibit the uric acid?induced ER stress response and phenotypic transformation, and may be beneficial in attenuating uric acid?induced renal tubular damage.

Objective To study histologic characteristics of bilayer skin substitute reconstructed by cells from human hair follicle and whether the skin appendage can be induced based on the bilayer skin substitute.Methods After composite chitosan bilayer skin substitute was reconstructed with dermal papilla cells and outer root sheath cells or dermal sheath cells and outer root sheath cells,its histologic characteristics was investigated in vitro and after transplanted onto SD albino rats.Results Composite chitosan bilayer skin substitute reconstructed by cells from hair follicle had closely arranged epithelium cells and outstanding cornification;Epithelial cords linked with epidermis could be seen in dermis.However,there was no certain hair follicle-like structure formation either in vitro or in vivo.Conclusion Hair follicle cells are good source for skin substitute reconstruction,but it can not induce skin appendage formation through skin substitute by now.

Objective To evaluate images quality and diagnostic feasibility of low-dose CT in patients with traumatic rib fractures.Methods Twenty-five patients presented with thoracic iniury were underwent 64-slice spiral CT scanning in inspiration breath-hold technique.Two scan protocols were performed.In one scan protocol noise index(NI)is 11,and in another NI is 21,but the other scan parameters were no difference.The mean value of tube current,the volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),and effective dose(ED)were recorded.Image quality was scored by 2 experienced radiologists using the 5-points scale.The numbers and degrees of rib fractures were recorded.The data were tested by using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.The differences of the inter-observer were determined by Kappa statistics.Results The mean CTDIvol and ED in scan protocol with NI of 11 were(13.88±5.17)mGy and(8.14±3.21)mSv,and that with NI of 21 were(3.91±1.57)mGy and(2.31±0.97)mSv.Compared the scan with NI of 11.there was 72%intrinsie dose reduction in the scan with NI of 21.The mean value of tube current in scan with NI of 11 and 21 were(195.88±69.33)mAs and(54.56±21.54)mAs.AIl patients with 11 and Ⅲ degree and most patients with I degree rib fractures that identified by the scan with NT of 11 were detected by the scan with NI of 21.There were no statistical difference between two scaus with the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test.The diagnostic acceptability and image noise score in the scan with NI of 11 were 4.9±0.2 and 4.6±0.5.and that with NI=21 were 3.5±0.5 and 3.3±0.5.There was prefect concordante in the inter-observers in diagnostic acceptability on finding of rib fractures.diagnostic acceptability and image noise(Kappa=0.876,0.820,0.792,P<0.01)between two scan protocols.Conclusion Rib fractures can be diagnosed by the low-dose CT using the scan protocol with NI of 21.

Objective To explore the incidence and factors of paranasal sinusitis among nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients after radiotherapy. Methods Retrospectively evaluated the clinical data of 144 NPC patients without paranasal sinusitis before radiotherapy, including 82 cases in T1/T2 stage and 62 cases in T3/T4 stage treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from 2000 to 2005. MRI images before and after radiotherapy were compared. The incidence and factors of paranasal sinusitis were analyzed. There were 58 cases of nasal invasion. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was given at face-neck joint portal with 6 MV X-ray fractionated irradiation 68-78 Gy during 6-8 weeks. The number of patients who received radiotherapy with less than or equal to 70 Gy, more than 70 Gy radiation doses were 89 and 55, respectively. Cervical part were treated with high-energy electron beam, patients with positive neck lymph nodes and with negative neck lymph nodes received 64-74 Gy doses during 6-8 weeks and 50-54 Gy during 4-5 weeks, respectively. Results Among the 144 NPC patients 86.8%(125/144) developed paranasal sinusitis after radiotherapy, the incidence rates of paranasal sinusitis (IRPS) was higher among stage T3 + T4 patients than that among stage T1 + T2 patients (94% vs 82% ,x2=4.32, P ＜0.05). Among patients who were given radiotherapy with more than 70 Gy,less than or equal to 70 Gy radiation doses on the nasopharynx, the IRPS were 95% and 82.0% (x2 = 4.65, P ＜ 0.05 ). The IRPS in patients with nasal cavity infringement was higher than that in others (95% vs. 81% , x2 = 5.46,P ＜0.05). The IRPS at 3, 6, 12 months, and more than 1 year after radiotherapy were 13.6% ,31.2% ,48.8% and 6.4%, respectively (x2 = 70.48, P ＜ 0.001 ). Conclusions The incidence of paranasal sinusitis in NPC patients after radiotherapy was very high, and reached a peak in one year. It was influeneed by invasion of nasal cavity or not, the dose of radiotherapy and T stage.

Objective To investigate and compare the effect and safety of levocetirizine and cetirizine for the treatment of chronic idiopathetic urticaria (CIU). Methods A multi-center, randomized and double-blind comparative clinical trial was employed. The patients with CIU were divided into levocetirizine group and cetirizine group. Levocetirizine (5mg/day) or cetirizine (10mg/day) were taken once daily for 28 days, and were followed up on the 7th day, 14th day and 28th day after starting treatment. Results One hundred and thirty cases were evaluable for the effect and safety at the end of the study. The effective rates in levocetirizine group and in cetirizine group were 73.44% and 77.27% on the 7th day after treatment, 82.81% and 81.82% on the 14th day, and 89.06% and 81.82% at the end of the therapy respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The drug adverse reaction for levocetirizine group and cetirizine group were 14.06% and 18.18% respectively, which include mouth dryness, dizziness etc. Conclusion Levocetirizine is an effective and safe agent for the treatment of CIU.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods A total of 660 patients with ACS admited to cardiovascular department,first affiliated hospital of zhengzhou university were enrolled in this study from January 2009 to June 2010.The enrollment criteria were:the stenosis degree were above 75％ in at least one coronary artery by coronary angiography and successful PCI procedure.Exculsion criteria were:liver and renal insufficiency,malignancies and valvular heart diseases.The relevant clinical data and labtory examination were recorded after admission. The patients were followed up by outpatients interview or telephone from March to June 2011 and adverse cardiovascular events were recorded.The patients were divided into MS and non-MS groups,and basic clinical data were compared between two groups.The proportion difference between two groups were tested by chi square. Multivariate logistic regression was established to analyze the factors related to progonosis.The survival ratio was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Statistical significance was established at a P value of less than 0.05.Results ①A total of 606 (91.7％) patients successfully accepted follow-up.Mean follow-up time were ( 14.3 ±1.7 ) months.95 patients experienced adverse cardiovascular events ( 15.7％ ).②There were 393 patients (64.96％ ) satisfied the definition of metabolic syndrome.The patients in MS group were with higher BMI,SBP,DBP,blood glucose and disordered lipid (all P ＜ 0.05 ),with less fale patients (P =0.016),less current somking (P =0.008 ) and with higher platelet (P =0.037 ). The incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in two groups were 17.81％ and 11.79％ ( P ＞ 0.05 ). ③ Multivarite logistic regression revealed that the predictors of adverse cardiovascular events were age [ OR =2.628,95％ confidence interval (CI) 1.395 ～ 4.954,P =0.003 ],New York Heart Association (NYHA) ≥ 3 grade ( OR =2.310,95％ CI 1.095 ～4.870,P =0.028) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ( OR =4.328,95％ CI 1.955 ～9.580,P ＜ 0.001 ).However,MS was not related with prognosis ( OR =1.170,95％ CI 0.583 ～ 2.345,P =0.659 ).④The cumulative survival rates of no adverse cardiovascular events in the two groups were no significant difference ( P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusions MS is a risk factor with coronary heart disease.Howerer,it has no relationship with adverse cardiovascular events in patients with ACS after PCI.

Objective To observe the impact of porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on blood glucose of high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and the antagonistic effect of metformin on diabetes model mice.Methods The C57 mice were divided into 8 groups(n =6-8 in each group).Apart from the normal control,mice were fed with HF diet for 16 weeks (including 3 groups) or 21 weeks (including 3 groups) for modeling.Besides the HF control group,the mice of diabetes model group and metformin group were given PG LPS 100 μg · kg-1 with intraperitoneal injection and simultaneously administrated with 100 mg · kg-1 metformin by gavage daily for 3 weeks,respectively.Blood glucose was measured with rapid glucometer.The plasma insulin and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway protein in livers were detected by Western blotting.Results In 21 weeks DIO mice,the blood glucose levels in the HF control group,diabetes model group and metformin group were (6.46±0.31),(7.82 ±0.35),(6.23 ± 0.21) mmol · L-1,respectively.Comparison between HF control group and diabetes model group,the difference was significant (P ＜ 0.05);comparison between diabetes model group and metformin group,the difference was significant (P ＜ 0.01).Expression of AMPK-phosphorylation status (p-AMPK)in the diabetes model group and metformin group were 1.03 ± 0.04,1.62 ± 0.21,respectively.Comparison between diabetes model group and metformin group,the difference was significant(P ＜0.05).Conclusion Metformin is a preferred therapeutic agent for hyperglycemic patients with obesity and periodontitis.