Mouse epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) can be derived from a wide range of developmental stages. To characterize and compare EpiSCs with different origins, we derived a series of EpiSC lines from pregastrula stage to late-bud-stage mouse embryos. We found that the transcriptomes of these cells are hierarchically distinct from those of the embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and epiblast/ectoderm. The EpiSCs display globally similar gene expression profiles irrespective of the original developmental stage of the source tissue. They are developmentally similar to the ectoderm of the late-gastrula-stage embryo and behave like anterior primitive streak cells when differentiated in vitro and in vivo. The EpiSC lines that we derived can also be categorized based on a correlation between gene expression signature and predisposition to differentiate into particular germ-layer derivatives. Our findings therefore highlight distinct identifying characteristics of EpiSCs and provide a foundation for further examination of EpiSC properties and potential.

Traditionally wet-to-dry gauze has been used to dress wounds. Dressings that create and maintain a moist environment, however, are now considered to provide the optimal conditions for wound healing. Moisture under occlusive dressings not only increases the rate of epithelialisation but also promotes healing through moisture itself and the presence initially of a low oxygen tension (promoting the inflammatory phase). Gauze does not exhibit these properties; it may be disruptive to the healing wound as it dries and cause tissue damage when it is removed. It is not now widely used in the United Kingdom. Occlusive dressings are thought to increase cell proliferation and activity by retaining an optimum level of wound exudate, which contains vital proteins and cytokines produced in response to injury. These facilitate autolytic debridement of the wound and promote healing. Concerns of increased risk of infection under occlusive dressings have not been substantiated in clinical trials. This article describes wound dressings currently available in the UK. Low adherent dressings Low adherent dressings are cheap and widely available. Their major function is to allow exudate to pass through into a secondary dressing while maintaining a moist wound bed. Most are manufactured in the form of tulles, which are open weave cloth soaked in soft paraffin or chlorhexidine; textiles; or multilayered or perforated plastic films. They are designed to reduce adherence at the wound bed and are particularly useful for patients with sensitive or fragile skin.

Brief cognitive behaviour therapy is of limited efficacy in reducing self-harm repetition, but the findings taken in conjunctin with the economic evaluation (Byford et al. 2003) indicate superiority of MACT over TAU in terms of cost and effectiveness combined.