Pan-immune-inflammation value: a new prognostic index in operative laryngeal and pharyngeal carcinomas.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to further evaluate the potential value of Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) as a prognostic marker in patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal tumors. METHODS: A total of 545 patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal tumors who underwent surgery at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were included. We determined the optimal cutoff of PIV and divided the patients into two groups. The relationship between PIV and clinicopathological features was explored by the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between PIV and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). We also compared the prognostic predictive value of PIV with other inflammation-related markers. Finally, we developed a simple scoring prediction model based on several independent prognostic parameters. RESULTS: We found that PIV was statistically associated with clinicopathological features such as tumor stage (p < 0.001), node stage (p = 0.001), postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.026), and vascular thrombosis (p = 0.027). Survival analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between elevated PIV and reduced OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed PIV as a prognostic indicator (HR 2.507; 95% CI 1.343-4.681; p = 0.004), which is superior to SII, NLR, MLR and PLR. Three of the independent prognostic factors screened by multivariate Cox regression analysis were selected to be used to create a scoring system with a concordance index of 0.756. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated PIV is associated with poor prognosis in patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal tumors, suggesting that PIV may be an important adjunctive indicator for assessing patient prognosis. REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Registration number: KYLL-202307-001, date: July 2023.

Identification of core gene in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and correlations with inflammation-related genes.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study is to identify the core genes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and analyze the correlations between it and inflammation-related genes. METHODS: GSE72713 dataset containing gene expression data of ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP and healthy samples was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and filtered by limma to identify DEGs among three groups, then the functions and correlated pathways of DEGs were analyzed using GO and KEGG. The core DEGs were selected by the intersection of DEGs and the PPI network was constructed via STRING. The correlations between the expression levels of CRSwNP core gene and inflammation-related genes were analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The DEGs among ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP, and CTRL were filtered respectively, and enrichment analysis showed they were associated with olfaction and/or immune responses. The PPI network was constructed by 7 core DEGs obtained via the intersection among three groups, and ALOX15 was confirmed as the core gene in the network. Subsequently, the correlations between the expression levels of ALOX15 and inflammation-related genes were illustrated. CONCLUSION: In this study, the core gene ALOX15 was selected from the DEGs among ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP, and CTRL. IL5, IL1RL1, and IL1RAP were found to exhibit a significant positive correlation with ALOX15. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Identification of core gene in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and correlations with inflammation-related genes

Abstract Objective Our aim in this study is to identify the core genes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and analyze the correlations between it and inflammation-related genes. Methods GSE72713 dataset containing gene expression data of ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP and healthy samples was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and filtered by limma to identify DEGs among three groups, then the functions and correlated pathways of DEGs were analyzed using GO and KEGG. The core DEGs were selected by the intersection of DEGs and the PPI network was constructed via STRING. The correlations between the expression levels of CRSwNP core gene and inflammation-related genes were analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test. Results The DEGs among ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP, and CTRL were filtered respectively, and enrichment analysis showed they were associated with olfaction and/or immune responses. The PPI network was constructed by 7 core DEGs obtained via the intersection among three groups, and ALOX15 was confirmed as the core gene in the network. Subsequently, the correlations between the expression levels of ALOX15 and inflammation-related genes were illustrated. Conclusion In this study, the core gene ALOX15 was selected from the DEGs among ECRSwNP, nonECRSwNP, and CTRL. IL5, IL1RL1, and IL1RAP were found to exhibit a significant positive correlation with ALOX15. Level of Evidence Level 3.

Polymorphic inverted repeats near coding genes impact chromatin topology and phenotypic traits in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Transposons are mobile elements that are commonly silenced to protect eukaryotic genome integrity. In plants, transposable element (TE)-derived inverted repeats (IRs) are commonly found near genes, where they affect host gene expression. However, the molecular mechanisms of such regulation are unclear in most cases. Expression of these IRs is associated with production of 24-nt small RNAs, methylation of the IRs, and drastic changes in local 3D chromatin organization. Notably, many of these IRs differ between Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, causing variation in short-range chromatin interactions and gene expression. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of two IRs leads to a switch in genome topology and gene expression with phenotypic consequences. Our data show that insertion of an IR near a gene provides an anchor point for chromatin interactions that profoundly impact the activity of neighboring loci. This turns IRs into powerful evolutionary agents that can contribute to rapid adaptation.

Dynamic associations between emotion expressions and strategy use in Chinese American and Mexican American preschoolers.

Previous studies of emotion regulation in young children commonly used between-person approaches, which limit our understanding of dynamic and temporal relations between emotion expressions and strategy use. Further, previous work has mainly focused on temperamental reactivity among White children, and it is unclear whether these findings can generalize to children of Asian and Latinx origins. In the current study, we examined the within-person temporal associations between emotion expressions and strategy use among 3- to 5-year-old children in low-income Chinese American (CA) and Mexican American (MA) families. Children's emotion expressions (positive and negative) and strategy use (gaze aversion, self-soothing, fidgeting, and language) during an unfair social interaction task were coded by 10-s epoch. Executive functions were examined as between-person level predictors of strategy use. Multilevel modeling was conducted to examine whether positive and negative emotion expressions at one epoch (t-1) predicted strategy use at the following epoch (t). The results indicate that positive emotion expressions predicted an increase in fidgeting at the next epoch (ß = .34, p < .01). Executive functions were unrelated to strategy use. Cultural group differences were found: CA children displayed lower intensity of positive emotion and fewer strategy use compared with MA children. The present findings inform theories on the dynamics of emotion regulation in young children and have implications for interventions with underrepresented immigrant populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

An investigative analysis of basketball injuries by college students / Análise investigativa sobre lesões no basquetebol por estudantes universitários / Análisis de investigación sobre las lesiones en baloncesto por estudiantes universitarios

ABSTRACT Introduction Basketball is a sport with strong rivalry, being, therefore, a modality with great facility to cause sports injuries along its practice. Objective Investigate the status of sports injuries in college basketball for amateur students. Methods 480 college students who were not basketball experts were selected as research volunteers. The current status of sports injuries in the 12-week optional basketball course was investigated, and the main risk factors were analyzed. Results Among amateur male college students, the average playing age of third-grade male college students is higher than that of second-grade male college students, and the weekly playing frequency is lower than that of second-grade male college students. The incidence of basketball sports injuries among male college students who do not specialize in basketball from childhood to adulthood is up to 90.7%, and 85.5% during their college years. Conclusion In basketball sports, the most vulnerable parts of amateur male college students are the wrist joint, ankle joint, knee joint, leg, head and face, shoulder, waist, and back, respectively. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução O basquetebol é um esporte com forte rivalidade, sendo por isso uma modalidade com muita facilidade de causar lesões esportivas ao longo de sua prática. Objetivo Investigar a situação das lesões esportivas no basquetebol universitário para estudantes amadores. Métodos 480 estudantes universitários que não eram especializados em basquetebol foram selecionados como voluntários de pesquisa, e a situação atual das lesões esportivas no curso opcional de basquetebol de 12 semanas foi investigada, onde os principais fatores de risco foram analisados. Resultados Entre os estudantes universitários masculinos amadores, a idade média de jogo dos estudantes universitários masculinos da terceira série é maior do que a da segunda série, e a frequência semanal de jogo é menor do que a dos estudantes universitários masculinos da segunda série. A incidência de lesões esportivas de basquetebol entre os estudantes universitários masculinos que não são especializados em basquetebol desde a infância até a idade adulta é de até 90,7%, e 85,5% durante seus anos universitários. Conclusão No processo dos esportes de basquetebol, as partes mais vulneráveis dos estudantes universitários masculinos amadores são a articulação do pulso, articulação do tornozelo, articulação do joelho, perna, cabeça e rosto, ombro, cintura e costas, respectivamente. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El baloncesto es un deporte de fuerte rivalidad, siendo por tanto una modalidad con gran facilidad para provocar lesiones deportivas a lo largo de su práctica. Objetivo Investigar la situación de las lesiones deportivas en el baloncesto universitario para estudiantes aficionados. Métodos Se seleccionaron 480 estudiantes universitarios no especializados en baloncesto como voluntarios para la investigación, y se investigó la situación actual de las lesiones deportivas en el curso optativo de baloncesto de 12 semanas, donde se analizaron los principales factores de riesgo. Resultados Entre los estudiantes universitarios aficionados de sexo masculino, la edad media de juego de los estudiantes universitarios de tercer grado es superior a la de los estudiantes universitarios de segundo grado, y la frecuencia semanal de juego es inferior a la de los estudiantes universitarios de segundo grado. La incidencia de las lesiones deportivas de baloncesto entre los estudiantes universitarios de sexo masculino no especializados en baloncesto desde la infancia hasta la edad adulta es de hasta el 90,7%, y del 85,5% durante sus años universitarios. Conclusión En el proceso de los deportes de baloncesto, las partes más vulnerables de los estudiantes universitarios aficionados varones son la articulación de la muñeca, la articulación del tobillo, la articulación de la rodilla, la pierna, la cabeza y la cara, el hombro, la cintura y la espalda, respectivamente. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Sensitivity analysis of EGFR L861Q mutation to six tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

PURPOSE: Lung cancer is one of the most common carcinomas with the highest mortality in the world. Non-small cell lung carcinoma has a large proportion of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, of which rare EGFR mutations account for about 10%-20%. Currently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy is a standard treatment for patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma with EGFR mutations. To date, the toxicological effects of the EGFR L861Q variant (less than 2%) have been rarely reported, so further investigation of its sensitivity to six first-in-class TKIs is of great clinical interest. METHODS: In this study, two EGFR L861Q variants cell lines (EGFR L861Q variant and EGFR L861Q + exon 19 deletion variant) were established by CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. The steady-state plasma concentrations of six TKIs (gefitinib/erlotinib/icotinib, the first generation; dacomitinib/afatinib, the second generation; and osimertinib, the third generation) were tested, respectively. The change of cell viability, proliferation, cloning ability, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay, EdU staining assay, colony formation assay, mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis test. TUNEL and Annexin V / PI staining were used to detect cell apoptosis, and flow cytometry was employed to explore the sensitivity of two variants to six TKIs. RESULTS: Our study indicated that the six TKIs inhibited the viability of the two cell lines in a time-dependent manner, and the inhibitory time of six TKIs on proliferation was different between the two cell lines. The proliferation and cloning ability of two cell lines were inhibited by six TKIs. The cytoskeleton morphology, microfilament structure and distribution of the two cell lines were changed by six TKIs. Compared with the control, the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased while the apoptosis increased of the two of variants after treatment with the six TKIs, and the associated mechanisms were elucidated. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the above results, EGFR L861Q + 19del variant and EGFR L861Q variant showed significant sensitivity to six first-in-class TKIs. Among the six TKIs, the first generation TKIs (gefitinib/erlotinib/icotinib), showed stronger inhibition ability to the EGFR L861Q + 19del variant and EGFR L861Q variant, among which gefitinib showed the strongest inhibition.

Optimization of cationic polymer-mediated transfection for RNA interference.

Transfection efficiency was estimated to optimize the conditions for RNA interference (RNAi), including transfection time, validity, and nucleic acid concentration and type, using the EZ Trans Cell Reagent, a cationic polymer. An shRNA against GFP was designed and transfected into cells using the EZ transfection reagent. The shRNA significantly decreased the expression of GFP. In addition, pre-diluted transfection reagent at room temperature and small nucleic acids increased the transfection efficiency, which peaked at 24 h. Compared with circular nucleic acids, linear nucleic acids showed higher transfection efficiency and a higher genome integration rate. We optimized cationic polymer-mediated RNAi conditions, and our data will be useful for future RNAi studies.

Microbial Biotransformation of Iridoid Glycosides from Gentiana Rigescens by Penicillium Brasilianum.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of endophytic fungi in Gentiana rigescens. From the 100 selected morphospecies, strain 7-2 (Penicillium brasilianum) showed a remarkable biocatalytic activity for gentiopicroside and swertiamarin, yielding seven products, including one new compound, 5-ethylidene-8-hydroxy-4,5,6,8-tetrahydropyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1-one (M04), alongside six known compounds. Gentianine (M01) was the only metabolite of swertiamarin in this study, while the remaining ones were all gentiopicroside metabolites. Among these, five compounds: gentianine (M01), (5S,6S)-5-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-5,6-dihydro-1H,3H-pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1-one (M02), (5R,6S)-5-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-5,6-dihydro-1H,3H-pyrano[3,4-c]pyran-1-one (M03), 2-(3-formyl-2-oxo-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)but-3-enoic acid (M06), and 2-oxo-4-(1-oxobut-3-en-2-yl)-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-3-carboxylic acid (M07) were similar to gentiopicroside metabolites in humans. Screening the metabolic potential of endophytic fungi in Gentiana rigescens provides an outstanding source for assessing the bioactive metabolites of iridoid glycosides. The above findings suggested that the endophytic fungi of G. rigescens possess multi-enzyme systems that mimic metabolic reactions in mammalian organisms.

Identification of LincRNA from Dermatophagoides farinae (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) for Potential Allergen-Related Targets.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), especially their important subclass of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs), have been identified in some insects. They play important roles in the regulation of biological processes, such as immune response or cell differentiation and as possible evolutionary precursors for protein coding genes. House dust mites (HDMs) are recognized as allergenic mites because allergens are found in their feces and bodies. Dermatophagoides farinae is one of the most important pyroglyphid mites because of its abundance in the household. To determine if lincRNAs can regulate allergen presentation in HDMs, we analyzed RNA-seq data for HDMs. We identified 11 lincRNAs that are related to mRNAs coding for allergens in HDMs. Using qRT-PCR, we amplified 10 lincRNAs and their putative target allergen-encoding mRNAs, confirming expression of these lincRNAs and allergen genes. The results suggest that lincRNAs might be involved in the regulation of allergen production in HDMs and might represent potential acaricidal candidates to inhibit mite allergen production.

Peer-to-Peer Sessions in Primary Care to Improve the Hepatitis B Detection Rate in Seville, Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) depends on primary care center activity. The present study aims to investigate the impact of peer-to-peer sessions with hepatologists on hepatitis B screening efficacy in primary care centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peer-to-peer one-hour sessions were scheduled to improve the screening program for HBV in Seville, Spain. The sessions were focused on who should be tested for HBV and how positive cases should be referred. Fourteen out of 26 health care centers were selected to participate in peer-to-peer sessions. The centers were classified according to how many sessions they held (no sessions, one session or more than one session). RESULTS: Over a five-year period, HBV screening was performed in 32 203 people. In Seville, the prevalence of HBsAg was 0.87% (283/32 203). The detection rates for new HBsAg-positive cases were 7.1, 16.9 and 21.3 cases/105 population/year in non-session, one-time session and more than one session centers, respectively (p < 0.05). The rate of patients who effectively visited centers as outpatients was significantly higher after peer-to-peer sessions-86/94 (91%) for one session and 81/89 (91%) for two session centers vs. 16/27 (67%) for non-session centers (p = 0.002). The only independent predictor of patient referral was peer-to-peer sessions (OR, 1.925 [95% CI, 1.002-3.699]; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Peer-to-peer sessions in primary care centers increased HBV detection and visitation rates.

Up-regulated expression of CD147 gene in malignant bone tumor and the possible induction mechanism during osteoclast formation.

It is increasingly evident that the microenvironment of bone can influence cancer phenotype in many ways that favor growth in bone. CD147, a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, was identified independently in different species and has many designations across different species. However, expression levels of CD147 mRNA in bone cancer have not been described. In this study, we have used real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-PCR) to demonstrate CD147 expression in malignant bone cancer and benign bone tumor tissues. The results suggested that the expression of CD147 gene was significantly up-regulated in malignant bone cancer. Moreover, we found that over-expressed RANKL progressively enhanced osteoclast formation up to 48 h, which suggested that RANKL could promote the formation of osteoclast, indicating that both CD147 and RANKL play important roles in the formation of osteoclasts. Furthermore, the expressions of four osteoclast specific expression genes, including TRACP, MMP-2, MMP-9 and c-Src, were analyzed using RT-PCR. The results indicated that four osteoclast-specific expression genes were detectable in all osteoclast with different treatments. However, the highest expression level of these four osteoclast-specific expression genes appears in the CD147+ RANKL group and the lowest expression level of these four osteoclast-specific expression genes appears with si-RANKL treatment. Characterization of the role of CD147 in the development of tumors should lead to a better understanding of the changes occurring at the molecular level during the development and progression of primary human bone cancer.

Up-regulated expression of CD147 gene in malignant bone tumor and the possible induction mechanism during osteoclast formation

It is increasingly evident that the microenvironment of bone can influence cancer phenotype in many ways that favor growth in bone. CD147, a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, was identified independently in different species and has many designations across different species. However, expression levels of CD147 mRNA in bone cancer have not been described. In this study, we have used real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-PCR) to demonstrate CD147 expression in malignant bone cancer and benign bone tumor tissues. The results suggested that the expression of CD147 gene was significantly up-regulated in malignant bone cancer. Moreover, we found that over-expressed RANKL progressively enhanced osteoclast formation up to 48 h, which suggested that RANKL could promote the formation of osteoclast, indicating that both CD147 and RANKL play important roles in the formation of osteoclasts. Furthermore, the expressions of four osteoclast specific expression genes, including TRACP, MMP-2, MMP-9 and c-Src, were analyzed using RT-PCR. The results indicated that four osteoclast-specific expression genes were detectable in all osteoclast with different treatments. However, the highest expression level of these four osteoclast-specific expression genes appears in the CD147+ RANKL group and the lowest expression level of these four osteoclast-specific expression genes appears with si-RANKL treatment. Characterization of the role of CD147 in the development of tumors should lead to a better understanding of the changes occurring at the molecular level during the development and progression of primary human bone cancer.

High-throughput ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method for the rapid analysis and characterization of multiple constituents of Radix Polygalae.

Radix Polygalae, the dried roots of Polygala tenuifolia and P. sibirica, is one of the most well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plants. It is an important medicinal plant that has been used as a sedative and to improve memory for a number of years in most of Asia. However, the in vivo constituents of the multiple constituents from Radix Polygalae remain unknown. In the current study, ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the MarkerLynxTM software combined with multiple data processing approach were used to study the constituents in vitro and in vivo. A rapid and efficient method for the characterization of multiple constituents in the herbal medicine Radix Polygalae by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry is described. In total, 35 compounds in the Radix Polygalae and 13 compounds absorbed into blood were characterized. Of the 35 compounds in vitro, ten were reported for first time. In the 13 compounds in vivo, six were prototype components and seven were metabolites were also elucidated for first time. This work narrowed the range of screening the potentially bioactive components and provided a basis for the quality control and mechanism of action.

Genome Sequencing of Sulfolobus sp. A20 from Costa Rica and Comparative Analyses of the Putative Pathways of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sulfur Metabolism in Various Sulfolobus Strains.

The genome of Sulfolobus sp. A20 isolated from a hot spring in Costa Rica was sequenced. This circular genome of the strain is 2,688,317 bp in size and 34.8% in G+C content, and contains 2591 open reading frames (ORFs). Strain A20 shares ~95.6% identity at the 16S rRNA gene sequence level and <30% DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values with the most closely related known Sulfolobus species (i.e., Sulfolobus islandicus and Sulfolobus solfataricus), suggesting that it represents a novel Sulfolobus species. Comparison of the genome of strain A20 with those of the type strains of S. solfataricus, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, S. islandicus, and Sulfolobus tokodaii, which were isolated from geographically separated areas, identified 1801 genes conserved among all Sulfolobus species analyzed (core genes). Comparative genome analyses show that central carbon metabolism in Sulfolobus is highly conserved, and enzymes involved in the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the CO2 fixation pathways are predominantly encoded by the core genes. All Sulfolobus species encode genes required for the conversion of ammonium into glutamate/glutamine. Some Sulfolobus strains have gained the ability to utilize additional nitrogen source such as nitrate (i.e., S. islandicus strain REY15A, LAL14/1, M14.25, and M16.27) or urea (i.e., S. islandicus HEV10/4, S. tokodaii strain7, and S. metallicus DSM 6482). The strategies for sulfur metabolism are most diverse and least understood. S. tokodaii encodes sulfur oxygenase/reductase (SOR), whereas both S. islandicus and S. solfataricus contain genes for sulfur reductase (SRE). However, neither SOR nor SRE genes exist in the genome of strain A20, raising the possibility that an unknown pathway for the utilization of elemental sulfur may be present in the strain. The ability of Sulfolobus to utilize nitrate or sulfur is encoded by a gene cluster flanked by IS elements or their remnants. These clusters appear to have become fixed at a specific genomic site in some strains and lost in other strains during the course of evolution. The versatility in nitrogen and sulfur metabolism may represent adaptation of Sulfolobus to thriving in different habitats.

Short hairpin rna targeting insulin-like growth fator binding protein-3 restores the bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor-1 in diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether intracavernosal injection of short hairpin RNA for IGFBP-3 could improve erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After 12 weeks of IGFBP-3 short hairpin RNA injection treatment, intracavernous pressure responses to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves were evaluated. The expression of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 at mRNA and protein levels were detected by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blot, respectively. The concentration of cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: At 12 weeks after intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA, the cavernosal pressure was significantly increased in response to the cavernous nerves stimulation compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). Cavernous IGFBP-3 expression at both mRNA and protein levels was significantly inhibited. At the same time, cavernous IGF-1 expression was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic group (P<0.01). Cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentration was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Gene transfer of IGFBP-3 shRNA could improve erectile function via the restoration of cavernous IGF-1 bioavailability and an increase of cavernous cGMP concentration in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Survival of a newborn from a pregnant woman with rabies infection.

BACKGROUND: Rabies is very common in People's Republic of China. Each year thousands of people die because of this disease, but rabies diagnosed in pregnancy is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we report the case of a pregnant woman who was infected with the rabies virus after a dog bite. The symptoms of rabies appeared in labor and she died after pregnancy. Her baby and husband did not develop the disease. CONCLUSION: The phenomenon that the newborn infant was healthy may be related to the protective role of placenta in resisting the invasion of the rabies virus or the absence of systemic viremia. The prompt administration of vaccines and anti-rabies immunoglobulin to the infant may have also contributed to his survival.