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Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the most known form type of metastatic skin cancer. Activation of ephrin B receptor 2 (EphB2) signaling can promote the metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis of CSCC cells. Therefore, EphB2 may act as a therapeutic target for CSCC. Here, we screened the inhibitors for EphB2 using molecular docking and then evaluated the effects of the identified inhibitors on cancer-related features of CSCC cells.The Schrodinger docking tool was used to predict the three-dimensional structure of EphB2 protein and its ligand binding sites, and EphB2 inhibitors were screened by high-throughput virtual screening combined with molecular docking. The effects of EphB2 inhibitors were analyzed for cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and xenograft tumor growth.EphB2 small-molecule inhibitors had anti-CSCC effects, establishing a solid theoretical basis for clinical research.

Wound healing is a complex and important physiological process that maintains the integrity of skin after various injuries. Abnormal wound healing, especially of chronic wounds, impairs normal physical function. Therefore, the search for effective and safe healing agents is one of the main concerns. Histatins are histidine-rich low molecular weight peptides that are expressed in the saliva of both humans and higher primates. Histatins have two main biological effects, cell stimulation and bacteria killing, with the former playing an important role in wound healing by promoting epithelial cell and fibroblast migration and angiogenesis and enhancing the re-epithelialization of the wounded area. Because of these biological effects, histatins have been shown to be promising agents of improved wound healing. Histatins are categorized into many subtypes, of which histatin 1 and its hydrolysates are the most effective in promoting wound healing. This review addresses the bioactivity of histatins in wound healing, such as their stimulatory effects on epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and elucidates the possible mechanisms by which histatin subtypes induce their biological effects.

The prognostic factors of facial paralysis complicated by middle ear cholesteatoma (MEC) are largely unknown due to limited reports and smaller sample size.This study aimed to analyze prognostic factors of postoperative outcomes of facial paralysis complicated by MEC.Clinical data of 48 patients (48 ears) with facial paralysis complicated by MEC were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The outcomes of facial paralysis were compared between different groups.All the eight cases (100%) with intact fallopian canal had complete recovery of facial paralysis after surgery, while only 52.5% cases (21/40 cases) with fallopian canal damage achieved good recovery, with significant difference (p .05). For subgroup analysis of the 40 cases with damaged fallopian canal, the good recovery rate of facial paralysis in shorter duration group (≤2 months) was higher compared to longer duration group (2 months) (81.0% versus 21.1%; p .05). Moreover, the good recovery rate of facial paralysis in moderate facial paralysis group (grade II-IV) was higher compared to severe facial paralysis group (grade V-VI) (82.4% versus 30.4%; p .05).The outcomes of facial paralysis complicated by MEC were associated with fallopian canal integrity, duration and severity of facial paralysis.

In the present study, a novel polysaccharide, APS2-1, was isolated and purified from Astragalus membranaceus using DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The effect of APS2-1 on the promotion of wound healing was evaluated and its preliminary mechanism was investigated. In vitro experiments showed that APS2-1 was able to promote human skin fibroblast (HSF) propagation and accelerate cell cycle progression. For further examination, a scalded mice model was used to verify the effect of APS2-1 and investigate its mechanism of action. The analysis of biochemical parameters, including cyclin D1, inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) showed that APS2-1 inhibited the increase in cyclin D1 and IκBα, and promoted the expression of TGF-β1, bFGF and EGF, which was further confirmed by histopathological observation. These results suggested that APS2-1 possessed high potential in wound healing and its mechanism was associated with inhibiting inflammation, accelerating cell cycle and promoting the secretion of repair factors.

Objective To investigate clinical features and outcomes of delayed facial palsy after head trauma. Methods The cases who had delayed facial palsy after head trauma treated from March 2008 to March 2013 at our hospital were enrolled in the study, and their clinical features and outcomes were analyzed. Results Thirty-five of 1620 cases developed delayed facial palsy after head trauma. Facial palsy occurred within day 3–7 in 23 cases, during day 8–14 in 8 cases, and 2 weeks later in 4 cases. Thirty-three cases were treated by prednisolone alone, and two cases who showed ≥90% degeneration of nerve fibers underwent surgical exploration and decompression. Among the 33 cases who received conservative treatment, 27 cases (81.8%) recovered completely, 3 cases (9.1%) recovered to Grade II, and only 3 cases (9.1%) recovered to Grade III or IV. The two surgically treated patients recovered to Grade II and III, respectively. Conclusion The incidence of delayed facial palsy was 2.2% after head trauma. Delayed facial palsy mainly occurred within 2 weeks after head trauma. And over 90% patients achieved good recovery (HB Grade I or II) of facial nerve after conservative treatment.