Functional characterization of four antenna-biased chemosensory proteins in Dioryctria abietella reveals a broadly tuned olfactory DabiCSP1 and its key residues in ligand-binding.

The orientation of the oligophagous cone-feeding moth Dioryctria abietella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to host plants primarily relies on olfactory-related proteins, particularly those candidates highly expressed in antennae. Here, through a combination of expression profile, ligand-binding assay, molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis strategies, we characterized the chemosensory protein (CSP) gene family in D. abietella. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analyses revealed the detectable expression of all 22 DabiCSPs in the antennae, of which seven genes were significantly enriched in this tissue. In addition, the majority of the genes (19/22 relatives) had the expression in at least one reproductive tissue. In the interactions of four antenna-dominant DabiCSPs and different chemical classes, DabiCSP1 was broadly tuned to 27 plant-derived odors, three man-made insecticides and one herbicide with high affinities (Ki < 6.60 µM). By contrast, three other DabiCSPs (DabiCSP4, CSP6 and CSP17) exhibited a narrow odor binding spectrum, in response to six compounds for each protein. Our mutation analyses combined with molecular docking simulations and binding assays further identified four key residues (Tyr25, Thr26, Ile65 and Val69) in the interactions of DabiCSP1 and ligands, of which binding abilities of this protein to 12, 15, 16 and three compounds were significantly decreased compared to the wildtype protein, respectively. Our study reveals different odor binding spectra of four DabiCSPs enriched in antennae and identifies key residues responsible for the binding of DabiCSP1 and potentially active compounds for the control of this pest.

Revision of the Chinese species of Andropromachus Carl, 1913 (Phasmatodea, Lonchodidae, Necrosciinae).

A new species Andropromachus ynau sp. nov.. is described and the Chinese species of the moss-like stick insect genus Andropromachus are reviewed. An updated key to the known species of this genus is provided. Types of the new species are deposited in Yunnan Agricultural University (YNAU).

Next-generation sequencing yields the complete mitogenome of the stored nut moth, Paralipsa gularis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The stored nut moth, Paralipsa gularis Zeller 1877 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a pest of stored products. In this study, the whole mitogenome of P. gularis was identified for the first time by using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems. The entire genome is 15,280 bp in length (ACCN: MW135332) consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and an A + T-rich region. Phylogenetic analysis using 13 PCGs of 20 species derived from six moth superfamilies showed that Pyralidae moths are monophyletic. This study can provide essential DNA molecular data for further phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for Pyralidae family of Lepidoptera order.

Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 is a potential oncogene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma / Quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide é um potencial oncogene no carcinoma nasofaríngeo

Abstract Introduction: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3, a serine/threonine kinase that functions downstream of the PI3K signaling pathway, plays a critical role in neoplastic processes. It is expressed by various tumors and contributes to carcinogenesis. Objective: The objective was to investigate serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, to study the anti-tumor effects of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA by inhibiting its expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and to discuss the potential implications of our findings. Methods: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1, and SUNE-1) and the human immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelium cell line NP69 were assayed by western blotting. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in 42 paraffin-embedded nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were performed by immunohistochemistry. MTT assay, flow cytometry, and scratch tests were performed after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the best serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA plasmid selected by western blotting using lipofectamine to study its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Results: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 was overexpressed in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression decreased markedly after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA, leading to strong inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. In addition, the apoptosis rate increased in CNE-2 cells after serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 knockdown. Conclusion: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression was more frequently observed as the nasopharyngeal epithelium progresses from normal tissue to carcinoma. This suggests that serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 contributes to the multistep process of NPC carcinogenesis. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 represents a target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma therapy, and a basis exists for the further investigation of this adjuvant treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Resumo Introdução: A quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, uma serina/treonina quinase que funciona downstream da via de sinalização PI3K, desempenha um papel crítico nos processos neoplásicos. É expressa por vários tumores e contribui para a carcinogênese. Objetivo: Investigar a expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide no carcinoma nasofaríngeo, estudar os efeitos antitumorais do shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, que inibem sua expressão em células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo, e discutir as implicações potenciais de nossos achados. Método: A expressão de proteína quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em linhagens de células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1 e SUNE-1) e a linhagem de células humanas imortalizadas do epitélio nasofaríngeo NP69 foram avaliadas por Western blot. A expressão da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em 42 tecidos de CNF embebidos em parafina foi feita por imuno-histoquímica. Testes com MTT, citometria de fluxo e testes de raspagem foram feitos após as células CNE-2 terem sido transfectadas com o melhor plasmídeo shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide selecionado por Western blot, com o uso de lipofectamina para estudar seu efeito na proliferação, apoptose e migração celular. Resultados: Foi observada uma sobre-expressão da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide em tecidos e células de carcinoma nasofaríngeo humanas. A expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide diminuiu acentuadamente após as células CNE-2 terem sido transfectadas com o shRNA da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide, conduzindo a forte inibição de proliferação e migração celular. Além disso, a taxa de apoptose aumentou nas células CNE-2 após o knockdown da quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide. Conclusão: A expressão de quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide foi observada com maior frequência à medida que o epitélio nasofaríngeo progride de tecido normal para carcinoma. Isso sugere que a quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide contribui para o processo multietapas da carcinogênese do carcinoma nasofaríngeo. A quinase 3 sérica induzida por glicocorticoide representa um alvo para a terapia do carcinoma nasofaríngeo e há uma base para a investigação adicional dessa modalidade de tratamento adjuvante para o carcinoma nasofaríngeo.

Copulation Exerts Significant Effects on mRNA Expression of Cryptochrome Genes in a Moth.

It is recognized that the behavioral rhythms of organisms are controlled by the circadian clock, while the reverse direction, i.e., whether changes in physiology and behavior react to the internal rhythms, is unclear. Cryptochromes (CRYs) are photolyase-like flavoproteins with blue-light receptor function and other functions on circadian clock and migration in animals. Here, we cloned the full-length cDNA of CRY1 and CRY2 in Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Sl-CRYs show high similarity to orthologs from other insects, and their conserved regions contain a DNA photolyase domain and a FAD-binding seven domain. The expression levels of both genes were relatively low during the larval stage, which increased during the pupal stage and then peaked at the adult stage. The expression of Sl-CRY1 and Sl-CRY2 showed differences between males and females and between scotophase and photophase. Further, our study demonstrated that copulation has a significant effect on the expression of Sl-CRYs. More interestingly, the changes in the expression of Sl-CRY1 and Sl-CRY2 due to copulation showed the same trend in both sexes, in which the expression levels of both genes in copulated males and females decreased in the subsequent scotophase after copulation and then increased significantly in the following photophase. Considering the nature of the dramatic changes in reproductive behavior and physiology after copulation in S. litura, we propose that the changes in the expression of Sl-CRYs after copulation could have some function in the reproductive process.

Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 is a potential oncogene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3, a serine/threonine kinase that functions downstream of the PI3K signaling pathway, plays a critical role in neoplastic processes. It is expressed by various tumors and contributes to carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, to study the anti-tumor effects of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA by inhibiting its expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and to discuss the potential implications of our findings. METHODS: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 protein expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines (CNE-1, CNE-2, HNE-1, HONE-1, and SUNE-1) and the human immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelium cell line NP69 were assayed by western blotting. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression in 42 paraffin-embedded nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were performed by immunohistochemistry. MTT assay, flow cytometry, and scratch tests were performed after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the best serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA plasmid selected by western blotting using lipofectamine to study its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. RESULTS: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 was overexpressed in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues and cells. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression decreased markedly after CNE-2 cells were transfected with the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 shRNA, leading to strong inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. In addition, the apoptosis rate increased in CNE-2 cells after serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 knockdown. CONCLUSION: Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 expression was more frequently observed as the nasopharyngeal epithelium progresses from normal tissue to carcinoma. This suggests that serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 contributes to the multistep process of NPC carcinogenesis. Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 represents a target for nasopharyngeal carcinoma therapy, and a basis exists for the further investigation of this adjuvant treatment modality for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

A new catechin derivative from the fruits of Rosa sterilis S. D. Shi.

A new catechin derivative named as sterilin A (1), and three known compounds, (+)-catechin (2), kaji-ichigoside F1 (3) and 2α,3α,19α-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (4), was isolated from the fresh fruits of Rosa sterilis. Their structures were elucidated by means of extensive spectroscopic analysis and by comparison with data reported in the literatures.

Au Sub-Nanoclusters on TiO2 toward Highly Efficient and Selective Electrocatalyst for N2 Conversion to NH3 at Ambient Conditions.

As the NN bond in N2 is one of the strongest bonds in chemistry, the fixation of N2 to ammonia is a kinetically complex and energetically challenging reaction and, up to now, its synthesis is still heavily relying on energy and capital intensive Haber-Bosch process (150-350 atm, 350-550 °C), wherein the input of H2 and energy are largely derived from fossil fuels and thus result in large amount of CO2 emission. In this paper, it is demonstrated that by using Au sub-nanoclusters (≈0.5 nm ) embedded on TiO2 (Au loading is 1.542 wt%), the electrocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (NRR) is indeed possible at ambient condition. Unexpectedly, NRR with very high and stable production yield (NH3 : 21.4 µg h-1 mg-1cat. , Faradaic efficiency: 8.11%) and good selectivity is achieved at -0.2 V versus RHE, which is much higher than that of the best results for N2 fixation under ambient conditions, and even comparable to the yield and activation energy under high temperatures and/or pressures. As isolated precious metal active centers dispersed onto oxide supports provide a well-defined system, the special structure of atomic Au cluster would promote other important reactions besides NRR for water splitting, fuel cells, and other electrochemical devices.

[Protective effect of peperphentonamine injection through the otocyst against gentamicin- induced cochlear damage in guinea pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of gentamicin-induced cochlear damage with autophagy-related protein LC3, beclin1, Na(+-)K(+-)2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC1) mRNA and endothelin-1 (ET-1), and investigate the protective mechanism of PPTA against gentamicin-induced cochlear damage. METHODS: Sixty guinea pigs were randomly divided into control group (with saline and artificial perilymph injections), model group (with gentamicin and artificial perilymph injections), concurrent treatment group (with gentamicin and PPTA injections), model control group (with artificial perilymph injection 7 days after gentamicin injection) and delayed treatment group (with PPTA injection 7 days after gentamicin injection). Saline and gentamicin (160 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally, and artificial perilymph and PPTA were injected into the otocysts on a daily basis for 7 consecutive days. Hearing impairment of the guinea pigs was analyzed with ABR, and the protein expressions of beclin1 and LC3 in cochlear tissue were tested. The expression of NKCC1 mRNA was detected with RT-PCR, and the expression of ET-1 was detected immunohistochemically. RESULTS: The ABR thresholds in the model group and model control group were similar (P>0.05) , but significantly higher than those in the other 3 groups (P<0.05); the threshold was significantly lower in concurrent treatment group than in delayed treatment group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the other 4 groups, the expressions of LC3 II, beclin1, and NKCC1 mRNA were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05); and those in delayed treatment group were significantly lower than those in the model control group (P<0.05). The expressions of ET-1 in the Corti organ, striavascularis and spiral ganglion were significantly higher in the model group but significantly lower in the control group than those in the other 4 groups; ET-1 expression was significantly lower in delayed treatment group than in the model control group. CONCLUSION: PPTA offers protection against gantamicin-induced cochlear damage in guinea pigs by inhibiting cell autophagy and suppressing of NKCC1 and ET-1 expressions. Early intervention with PPTA produces better therapeutic effect, suggesting that gantamicin causes irreversible injury of the auditory cells.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the guava fruit fly, Bactrocera correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Bactrocera correcta (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most serious pest insects in south China and surrounding Southeast Asian countries. The family Tephritidae includes over 4257 species distributed worldwide, so the complete mitochondrial genome would be helpful for bio-identification, biogeography and phylogeny. The B. correcta genome consists of 15 936 bp. Annotation indicated that the structure and orientation of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA and 2 rRNA sequences were typical of, and similar to, the ten closely related tephritid species. The nucleotide composition shows heavily biased toward As and Ts accounting 73.2% and exhibits a slightly positive AT skew, which is similar to other known tephritid species and other insects. The phylogenetic tree indicated the presence of three distinct families (Tephritidae, Muscidae, Drosophilidae) in Order Diptera.

A low cost, green method to synthesize GaN nanowires.

The synthesis of gallium nitride nanowires (GaN NWs) by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) are successfully demonstrated in this work. The simple and green synthesis route is to introduce gallium oxide (Ga2O3) and nitrogen (N2) for the growth of nanowires. The prepared GaN nanowires have a single crystalline wurtzite structure, which the length of some nanowires is up to 20 µm, with a maximum diameter about 140 nm. The morphology and quantity of the nanowires can be modulated by the growth substrate and process parameters. In addition, the photoluminescence and field emission properties of the prepared GaN nanowires have been investigated, which were found to be largely affected by their structures. This work renders an environmentally benign strategy and a facile approach for controllable structures on nanodevice.

De novo assembly and characterization of the global transcriptome for Rhyacionia leptotubula using Illumina paired-end sequencing.

BACKGROUND: The pine tip moth, Rhyacionia leptotubula (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is one of the most destructive forestry pests in Yunnan Province, China. Despite its importance, less is known regarding all aspects of this pest. Understanding the genetic information of it is essential for exploring the specific traits at the molecular level. Thus, we here sequenced the transcriptome of R. leptotubula with high-throughput Illumina sequencing. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In a single run, more than 60 million sequencing reads were generated. De novo assembling was performed to generate a collection of 46,910 unigenes with mean length of 642 bp. Based on Blastx search with an E-value cut-off of 10(-5), 22,581 unigenes showed significant similarities to known proteins from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) non-redundant (Nr) protein database. Of these annotated unigenes, 10,360, 6,937 and 13,894 were assigned to Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Group (COG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, respectively. A total of 5,926 unigenes were annotated with domain similarity derived functional information, of which 55 and 39 unigenes respectively encoding the insecticide resistance related enzymes, cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase. Using the transcriptome data, 47 unigenes belonging to the typical "stress" genes of heat shock protein (Hsp) family were retrieved. Furthermore, 1,450 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected; 3.09% of the unigenes contained SSRs. Large numbers of SSR primer pairs were designed and out of randomly verified primer pairs 80% were successfully yielded amplicons. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: A large of putative R. leptotubula transcript sequences has been obtained from the deep sequencing, which extensively increases the comprehensive and integrated genomic resources of this pest. This large-scale transcriptome dataset will be an important information platform for promoting our investigation of the molecular mechanisms from various aspects in this species.

Mitochondrial genome of the pine tip moth Rhyacionia leptotubula (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of the pine tip moth Rhyacionia leptotubula (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) was determined. The entire genome is 15,877 bp in length, encoding the standard set of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and an A+T-rich control region. The gene order is typical of Lepidoptera and differs from the insect ancestral type in the location of trnM. All protein-coding sequences start with a typical ATN codon, with the exception of COI, which begins with CGA. All tRNA genes could be folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except trnS2 lacking of dihydrouridine arm. Additionally, the 7-bp long ATACTAA motif is present in the intergenic space sequence located between trnS1 and nad1, and a long T-stretch with conserved ATAGA motif exists in the A+T-rich region, as found in Lepidoptera. The mitogenome given here provides important molecular information to phylogenetic and population genetic researches.

[Tragus cartilage tympanoplasty for treatment of adhesive otitis media].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of cartilage tympanoplasty in the treatment of adhesive otitis media. METHODS: From June to October, 2008, 18 patients with adhesive otitis media (18 ears) were treated with tragus cartilage tympanoplasty. The air-bone gap changes and the self-perceived symptomatic improvement were evaluated at 1 month and 1 year after the operation. RESULTS: All the patients showed dry ear within 6 weeks after the operation. Tympanic membrane healing was achieved in 17 cases, and 1 case presented with a inferior-anterior fissure in the tympanic membrane. With the average preoperative air-bone gap (at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 kHz) of 44.65 dB, the patients showed an obvious decrease of the air-bone gap by over 10 dB at 1 month after the operation and by over 25 dB at one year. Symptomatic improvements were achieved in these cases, including alleviated ear discomforts (3/15 cases), total tinnitus relief (1/11 cases), and alleviated tinnitus (10/11 cases). High-frequency tinnitus was noted in 1 case (1/7 cases), and the tympanic membrane appeared normal in 17 cases. CONCLUSION: Tympanic membrane reconstruction using the tragus cartilage can be feasible for treatment of secretory otitis media, but the surgical indications should be carefully controlled.

[Therapeutic effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 injection into the inner ears through scala tympani fenestration on gentamicin-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) injection into the inner ears through a scala tympani fenestration on sensorineural deafness in a guinea pig model of gentamicin-induced hearing loss. METHODS: Twenty guinea pigs with gentamicin-induced hearing loss were randomized equally into IGF-1 group and control group. In both groups, scala tympani fenestration was performed for injection of IGF-1 (10 microl) or artificial perilymphatic fluid (10 microl). Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) test was performed before and 7 and 14 days after surgery, respectively, and the cochlea was removed by decollation of 3 guinea pigs from each group after ABR test for observing the changes in the hair cells using scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Significant reduction in the ABR response threshold (RT) occurred in IGF-1 group 7 and 14 days after the surgery, and on day 14, ABR RT showed significant difference between IGF-1 group and the control group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed severer damages of the hair cells in the control group, and in the IGF-1 group, finger-like microvilli was detected on the surface of the damaged hair cells. CONCLUSION: IGF-1 injection in the inner ear through the scala tympani fenestration may ameliorate the damages of the auditory function and relieve sustained toxicity of gentamicin in guinea pigs possibly by protection and partial repair of the damaged cochlea hair cells as well as protection of the afferent nerves.

[Auditory brainstem response in normal guinea pigs and those with gentamicin-induced hearing loss under awake and anesthetic conditions].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the alterations of auditory brainstem response (ABR) in guinea pigs with gentamicin-induced hearing loss under awake and anesthetic conditions. METHODS: We recorded the ABR in 20 normal guinea pigs and 20 with gentamicin-induced hearing loss before and after anesthesia for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the waveform, response threshold (RT), I and III peak latencies (PL), I-III interpeak latencies (IPL) of ABR between awake and anesthetic conditions in normal guinea pigs (P>0.05), nor did gentamicin-induced hearing loss showed obvious impact on the ABR parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant ABR alterations occur under awake and anesthetic conditions in either normal guinea pigs or those with hearing loss, therefore ABR test can be performed without anesthesia to ensure the success and error minimization of the experiment.

[Subcloning of human neurotrophin-3 gene and construction of its genetically engineered cell model].

OBJECTIVE: To subclone human neurotrophin-3 gene (NT3) and transfer this gene into human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to construct genetically engineered cells that produce NT3 in vitro. METHODS: Human BM-MSCs were cultured in low-glucose DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to examine the phenotypes of the cells. The eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)/NT3 was constructed and transferred into human BM-MSCs in vitro via liposomes. The genetically engineered BM-MSCs were selected several times with G418 and the clones were obtained and then amplified, followed by extraction of the RNA for detection of NT3 gene expression by reverse transcriptional (RT) PCR. The biological activity of the genetically engineered cells was examined by the collecting the supernatant of the culture medium for incubation of guinea pig cochlea hair cells. RESULTS: The cultured cells expressed CD13, CD29 and CD59, but no7 CD11, CD14, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD80, CD86, CD117 or HLA-DR. The BM-MSCs genetically modified with pcDNA3.1(+)/NT3 not only expressed and produced NT3, but also promoted the survival of the guinea pig cochlea hair cells in vitro. CONCLUSION: It is possible to construct the genetically engineered BM-MSCs that excrete NT3 in vitro.

Resection of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with extranasal and extrapharyngeal involvement.

The authors report their own experiences with the diagnosis and therapy of 7 cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with extranasal and extrapharyngeal involvement, thereby attempt to formulate the surgical approach for resection of huge nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with extensive involvement. The results suggested that appropriate surgical approach was of paramount importance for eliminating the tumor and may effectively reduce traumatic injury during the operation. Elective embolization of the vessels feeding the tumor could reduce bleeding and therefore increase the safety of the operation.