ABSTRACT
A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
ABSTRACT
In order to identify reliable markers of corneal epithelial stem cells, we employed an inducible transgenic "pulse-chase" murine model (K5Tta × TRE-H2BGFP) to localize, purify, and characterize slow cycling cells in the cornea. The retention of GFP labeling in slowly dividing cells allowed for localization of these cells to the corneal limbus and their subsequent purification by FACS. Transcriptome analysis from slow cycling cells identified differentially expressed genes when comparing to GFP- faster-dividing cells. RNA-Seq data from corneal epithelium were compared to epidermal hair follicle stem cell RNA-Seq to identify genes representing common putative stem cell markers or determinants, which included Sox9, Fzd7, Actn1, Anxa3 and Krt17. Overlapping retention of GFP and immunohistochemical expression of Krt15, ΔNp63, Sox9, Actn1, Fzd7 and Krt17 were observed in our transgenic model. Our analysis presents an array of novel genes as putative corneal stem cell markers.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Differentiation/biosynthesis , Epithelial Cells/metabolism , Epithelium, Corneal/metabolism , Gene Expression Regulation , Stem Cells/metabolism , Animals , Antigens, Differentiation/genetics , Epithelial Cells/cytology , Epithelium, Corneal/cytology , Mice , Mice, Transgenic , Stem Cells/cytologyABSTRACT
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging facial aesthetic procedures. Achieving a desirable result depends on correct planning and execution and the tissue characteristics of the patient. Dorsal augmentation has been performed extensively using cartilage grafts harvested from the septum, alar cartilage, conchal artilage and costal cartilages as well as from bone harvested from the ilium or tibia. Carved or crushed cartilage used as a graft might be perceptible through the nasal skin when tissue resolution is complete. Graft warpage and displacement are potential complications. The use of finely diced cartilage wrapped in one layer of Surgicel mixed with 1 ml of the patient's blood, popularly known as Turkish delight, was suggested by Erol in 2000. The use of cartilage from the septum and ala might not suffice and conchal and costal cartilage harvesting requires a second surgical site. Also, considering the increasing demand for revision rhinoplasty, it might not always be feasible to harvest an adequate quantity of graft. The authors suggest the use of finely diced Medpor implant material wrapped in Surgicel, mixed with 1 ml of the patient's blood for dorsal augmentation during rhinoplasty. Preliminary results are encouraging.
Subject(s)
Biocompatible Materials/therapeutic use , Cellulose, Oxidized/therapeutic use , Polyethylenes/therapeutic use , Prostheses and Implants , Prosthesis Design , Rhinoplasty/methods , Humans , Nasal Bone/surgeryABSTRACT
Long term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) induces biliary sludge and formation of gallstones. Cholecystectomy is hazardous in these patients because of the underlying medical problems. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind controlled study was designed to test the hypothesis that daily administration of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP) prevents the formation of biliary sludge in humans receiving long term TPN. Adult patients receiving TPN for more than 21 consecutive days were studied. After randomization of 15 patients, the study was concluded because statistical significance was achieved. Eight patients received saline solution (placebo) intravenously and seven received CCK-OP (50 nanograms per kilogram) intravenously over a ten minute period daily. The groups were similar with respect to age, sex, diagnosis, liver function tests, amylase levels, total TPN time and time of study. All of the patients underwent weekly ultrasound studies. Volume and emptying studies of the gallbladder in response to the study drug were performed after one week. None of the patients receiving CCK-OP had sludge whereas five of eight of the patients receiving placebo had sludge (p less than 0.02). The results of emptying studies showed significant contraction of the gallbladder in those in the CCK-OP group but not in the placebo group. These data suggest that CCK-OP given intravenously daily prevents TPN induced stasis and sludge of the gallbladder. We conclude that CCK-OP should be used as routine prophylaxis against biliary sludge and formation of gallstones in patients receiving long term TPN.
