Circular RNAs in stem cells: from basic research to clinical implications.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a special class of endogenous RNAs with a wide variety of pathophysiological functions via diverse mechanisms, including transcription, microRNA (miRNA) sponge, protein sponge/decoy, and translation. Stem cells are pluripotent cells with unique properties of self-renewal and differentiation. Dysregulated circRNAs identified in various stem cell types can affect stem cell self-renewal and differentiation potential by manipulating stemness.

Overexpression of erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte receptor B4 and ephrin-B2 is associated with estrogen receptor expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed types of endometrial cancer and is typically a consequence of continuous estrogen receptor stimulation. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte receptor B4 (EphB4) and its ligand ephrin-B2 have been reported to be overexpressed in EC cells; however, the function in EC remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of EphB4 and ephrin-B2 in EC.

Short hairpin ribonucleic acid constructs targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 rehabilitated decreased testosterone concentrations in diabetic rats.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine if shRNA constructs targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 can rehabilitate decreased serum testosterone concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Material/methods: After 12 weeks of intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA, intracavernous pressure responses to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves were evaluated. The expression of IGFBP-3 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blot, respectively.

[Evaluation of the clinical value of simultaneous hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy in perimenopausal women].

Objective: To investigate the effects on pelvic pseudocyst, ovarian function and symptoms of peri-menopausal period in patients with benign uterine disease undergoing simultaneous hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy.

Methods: From Jan. 2000 to Dec.

Flap removal or flap preservation during LASEK surgery.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of corneal epithelial flap removal or flap preservation during LASEK operation on myopia and to determine whether there was any accrual of benefit in either approach. From March 2006 to March 2008, some 582 patients (1,164 eyes) who presented with myopia and myopic astigmatism were treated with corrective LASEK operations. They were divided into two groups: one group underwent corneal flap-preservation while the other had the corneal flap removed.