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Introduction: CD24 is a highly glycosylated glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored membrane protein that plays an important role in tumor progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of abnormal expression of CD24 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer (BC) cells, and the molecular mechanism of regulating CD24 expression in breast cancer. Methodology: The bioinformatics method was used to predict the expression level of CD24 in BC and its relationship with the occurrence and development of BC. IHC, RT-qPCR and WB were used to detect the expression of CD24 in BC tissues and cells. The proliferation of CD24 was evaluated by CCK-8 and colony formation assay, and the migration and invasion of CD24 were evaluated by wound healing and transwell. In addition, the effect of CD24 on the malignancy of BC in vivo was further evaluated by subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay. Molecular mechanisms were measured by luciferase reporter assays, biotin-labeled miRNA pull-down assay, RIP, and western blotting. Results: The results show that CD24 is highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and knockdown of CD24 in vivo and in vitro can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of BC cells. Mechanistically, the transcription factor ZNF460 promotes its expression by binding to the CD24 promoter, and the expression of ZNF460 is regulated by miR-125a-5p, which inhibits its expression by targeting the 3’UTR of ZNF460. In addition, LINC00525 acts as a ceRNA sponge to adsorb miR-125a-5p and regulate its expression. Conclusions: Overexpression of CD24 is involved in the development and poor prognosis of BC, which can be used as a potential target for the treatment of BC and provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, affects the health of millions of people by transmitting arboviruses that cause multiple diseases. Since mosquitoes can only transmit viruses in the adult stage through bites, preventing adult emergence by derailing larval development is a promising approach for preventing the transmission of pathogens that cause diseases. Here, we investigate the function of a mitochondrial regulator LRPPRC (leucine‐rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing) in Ae. aegypti and evaluated its potential for mosquito control. The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing-induced knockout of LRPPRC caused a decrease in larval body size, extended the developmental time of larvae, and increased mortality during the larval and pupal stages. Further studies revealed that LRPPRC is critical to maintaining mitochondrial mRNA poly(A) length and abundance. Behavior and RT-qPCR assays revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction does not affect foraging behavior but disturbs energy hemostasis. Using nanoformulated dsRNA, we show the potential of targeting genes coding for mitochondrial proteins for disease vector control. These findings help advance the understanding of the regulation of mitochondrial function in Ae. aegypti and identify new target genes for mosquito control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu-based tandem catalysis provides an efficient route to boost production of C2+ products for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR), but colloidally synthesized Cu NPs are still less explored in tandem electrocatalyst design. A Cu-based tandem catalyst was constructed in hexane by assembling colloidal Cu NPs and Ni–N–C nanocarbon with tunable Cu NPs/Ni–N–C mass ratios, of which colloidal Cu NPs are homogeneously distributed over Ni–N–C nanocarbon. The Cu NPs/Ni–N–C tandem catalysts have been fully characterized by TEM, PXRD and XPS. In the H-type cell, the CO2RR contrast experiments verified that the optimized Cu NPs/Ni–N–C composite produced tandem effect in generating C2H4, benefiting from which a fourfold promotion in faradaic efficiency, and fivefold enhancement in partial current density were achieved compared to the reference Cu NPs/Vulcan carbon. Finally, the post-CO2RR Cu NPs/Ni–N–C catalysts were also measured by CV, EIS, TEM and XPS to further understand the change of tandem catalyst during CO2RR. An efficient Cu-based tandem catalyst was designed by compositing colloidal Cu NPs and Ni–N–C nanocarbon, which boosts cascade production of C2H4 from electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of RNA interference (RNAi) methods to control lepidopteran pests is difficult because of lower RNAi efficiency in these insects. Numerous studies concluded that dsRNA degrading nucleases (dsRNases) could be one of the factors involved in reducing RNAi efficiency in insects. The knockdown of genes coding for dsRNases is not successful due to inefficient RNAi in these insects. CRISPR/Cas9 system could help to knockout genes coding for dsRNases. Here, we knocked out two gut-specific dsRNase genes identified in the previous studies by using CRISPR/Cas9 system. The homozygous mutant strains containing knockout of one of the two dsRNases (SL1KO or SL2KO) and the double genes homozygous strain with knockout of both dsRNases (SL1SL2KO) showed 79.3%, 40.4% and 96.3% decrease in dsRNA-degrading activity, respectively. The nuclease activity in the gut fluid and the hemolymph was decreased by 83.2% and 23.3%, respectively, in SL1SL2KO strain as compared to the WT. Also, the level of fed dsRNA was almost 20 times higher in the SL1SL2KO strain than that in WT strain, but a similar dsRNA persistence time as detected in the hemolymph collected from SL1SL2KO and WT. Comparative analysis of RNAi response between SL1SL2KO and the WT strain showed that knockout of both dsRNases increased RNAi efficiency as the target gene mRNA levels were suppressed by feeding dsRNA to SL1SL2KO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taenia hydatigena is a widespread gastrointestinal helminth that causes significant health problems in livestock industry. This parasite can survive in a remarkably wide range of intermediate hosts and affects the transmission dynamics of zoonotic parasites. T. hydatigena is therefore of particular interest to researchers interested in studying zoonotic diseases and the evolutionary strategies of parasites. Herein we report a high-quality draft genome for this tapeworm, characterized by some hallmarks (e.g., expanded genome size, wide integrations of viral-like sequences and extensive alternative splicing during development), and specialized adaptations related to its parasitic fitness (e.g., adaptive evolutions for teguments and lipid metabolism). Importantly, in contrast with the evolutionarily close trematodes, which achieve gene diversification associated with immunosuppression by gene family expansions, in T. hydatigena and other cestodes, this is accomplished by alternative splicing and gene loss. This indicates that these two classes have evolved different mechanisms for survival. In addition, molecular targets for diagnosis and intervention were identified to facilitate the development of control interventions. Overall, this work uncovers new strategies by which helminths evolved to interact with their hosts. Wang and colleagues report a high quality draft genome for the thin-necked bladder worm, an agricultural livestock parasitic pest. Using this draft genome and comparison with other related parasites, they reveal gene families that are selectively pressured in different species, indicative of specialised survival strategies for different hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing antibiotics-independent antibacterial agents is of great importance since antibiotic therapy faces great challenges from drug resistance. Graphene oxide (GO) is a promising agent due to its natural antibacterial mechanisms, such as sharp edge-mediated cutting effect. However, the antibacterial activity of GO is limited by its negative charge and low photothermal effect. Herein, the amino-functionalized GO nanosheets (AGO) with unique three-in-one properties were synthesized. Three essential properties (positive charge, strong photothermal effect, and natural cutting effect) were integrated into AGO. The positive charge (30 mV) rendered AGO a strong interaction force with model pathogen Streptococcus mutans (330 nN). The natural cutting effect of 100 µg·mL−1 AGO caused 27% loss of bacterial viability after incubation for 30 min. Most importantly, upon the near-infrared irradiation for just 5 min, the three-in-one properties of AGO caused 98% viability loss. In conclusion, the short irradiation period and the tunable antibacterial activity confer the three-in-one AGO a great potential for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companion animals including dogs are one of the important components in One Health. Parasites may cause not only diseases in pet animals but also many zoonotic diseases infecting humans. In this study, we performed a survey of intestinal parasites in fecal specimens ( n = 485) collected from outpatient pet dogs with diarrhea in Beijing, China, for the entire year of 2015 by microscopic examination (all parasites) and SSU rRNA-based nested PCR detection ( Giardia and Cryptosporidium). We observed a total of 124 (25.6%) parasite-positive specimens that contained one or more parasites, including Giardia duodenalis (12.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (4.9%), Cystoisospora spp. (4.3%), trichomonads (4.3%), Toxocara canis (3.5%), Trichuris vulpis (0.6%), and Dipylidium caninum (0.2%). Among the 55 dog breeds, infection rates were significantly higher in border collies and bulldogs, but lower in poodles ( p < 0.05). Risk factor analysis suggested that age was negatively correlated with the infection rate ( p < 0.00001), while vaccination and deworming in the past 12 months could significantly reduce the parasite infections ( p < 0.01). Among the 62 Giardia-positive specimens, 21 were successfully assigned into assemblages using glutamate dehydrogenase ( gdh) and/or beta-giardin ( bg) genes, including assemblage D ( n = 15), C ( n = 5), and F ( n = 1). Among the 24 Cryptosporidium-positive specimens by SSU rRNA PCR, 20 PCR amplicons could be sequenced and identified as Cryptosporidium canis ( n = 20). Collectively, this study indicates that parasites are a significant group of pathogens in companion dogs in Beijing, and companion dogs may potentially transmit certain zoonotic parasites to humans, particularly those with weak or weakened immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices are restricted to undertake 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the guideline. Nevertheless, we conducted an experiment to test pathological change near the leads in different field-strength MRI. Twenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were assigned to Group 1 (G1, n = 6, 7.0T, DBS), Group 2 (G2, n = 6, 3.0T, DBS), Group 3 (G3, n = 6, 1.5T, DBS), and Group 4 (G4, n = 6, 1.5T, paracentesis). DBS leads were implanted in G1, G2 and G3, targeting left nucleus ventralis posterior thalami. Paracentesis was performed in G4. 24 h after MRI scan, all animals were killed for examining pathological alternation (at different distance from lead) via transmission electron microscopy. Our results suggest that the severity of tissue injury correlates with the distance to electrode instead of field strength of MRI. Up to now, the reason for the restriction of MRI indicated no significantly different pathological change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, published epidemiological studies of parasitic infections in humans in the Caribbean region are very limited. Here, we report the seroprevalence of five parasitic pathogens, including Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Schistosoma mansoni, and Toxocara canis in 435 serum samples collected between 2008 and 2011 from pregnant women in ten Caribbean islands. We tested the serum samples for IgG antibodies against the five parasites by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among them, 66.2 % were serologically positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite was G. lamblia (40.5 %), followed by A. lumbricoides (37.9 %), T. canis (14.5 %), E. histolytica (6.7 %), and S. mansoni (3.0 %). Evidence of infections of G. lamblia and A. lumbricoides were detected in all ten Caribbean countries. Seroprevalence estimates significantly differed between countries for A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica, and T. canis ( p values <0.001). For S. mansoni, significance was observed by Fisher's exact test ( p = 0.013) but not by multiple comparisons. The prevalence of G. lamblia was not significantly different between countries ( p = 0.089). A significant negative correlation between the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and overall seroprevalence by country was also observed (Pearson's r = −0.9202, p = 0.0002). The data strongly indicates that neglected parasitic infections remain a significant health burden on people in these countries. Thus, justification has been provided to regional health planners to enhance existing public health surveillance programs on parasitic diseases and to heighten the public's awareness through education and outreach programs on how they can minimize the occurrence of parasitic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexokinase (HK) is one of the key enzymes in the glycolytic pathway that catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose. In the present study, we cloned the HK gene from the coccidian Eimeria tenella ( EtHK), expressed EtHK as a His-tagged fusion protein, and characterized its primary biochemical features. Mutagenesis confirmed that residues S159, N216, and D217 are essential or important to the EtHK catalytic activity. EtHK exhibited high affinity for d-glucose ( Km = 0.67 to 0.79 mM), but was also able to utilize 2-deoxy- d-glucose ( Km = 5.66 mM), d-fructose ( Km = 13.76 mM), and d-mannose ( Km = 25.41 mM). We also observed that quercetin and mangiferin could inhibit the EtHK enzyme activity (IC values = 6.52 and 85.82 μM, respectively). Among the two inhibitors, mangiferin also inhibited the growth of E. tenella in vitro (MIC = 0.12 μM). These observations suggest that EtHK may be explored as potential drug target, and mangiferin and its analogs may be explored for developing anti-coccidial therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LYR motif-containing 1 ( LYRM1) was recently discovered to be involved in adipose tissue homeostasis and obesity-associated insulin resistance. We previously demonstrated that LYRM1 overexpression might contribute to insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, knockdown of LYRM1 enhanced insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We investigated whether knockdown of LYRM1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes could rescue insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone (FCCP), a mitochondrion uncoupler, to further ascertain the mechanism by which LYRM1 is involved in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with 1 µM FCCP for 12 h decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, reduced intracellular ATP synthesis, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, impaired insulin-stimulated Glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation, and diminished insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and serine phosphorylation of Protein Kinase B (Akt). Knockdown of LYRM1 restored insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, rescued intracellular ATP synthesis, reduced intracellular ROS production, restored insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, and rescued insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and serine phosphorylation of Akt in FCCP-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This study indicates that FCCP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance are ameliorated by knockdown of LYRM1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosinases are a group of type-3 copper proteins that catalyze the first two reactions in the melanin biosynthesis in organisms ranging from bacteria, fungi, plants to animals. Tyrosinases are not only involved in pigmentation, but also play an important role in the innate immunity in invertebrates. Additionally, tyrosinases are also known to be involved in the biogenesis and pigmentation of shells. The recently published Crassostrea gigas genome sequences revealed that the Pacific oyster possesses at least 26 tyrosinase isoforms. However, their molecular features are largely understudied. In fact, the full-length mRNA sequence was determined for one of the tyrosinase genes (i.e., CgTry1; aka cgi- tyr1). Here we report the full-length transcript of a second C. gigas tyrosinase ( CgTyr2) sequence and the determination of its sequence features characteristic to the tyrosinase family proteins. We also showed that CgTyr2 gene was differentially expressed with the highest level of expression in mantle edges, suggesting its potential role in the formation of periostracum/pigmentation. Our comprehensive phylogenetic reconstructions supported that hemocyanins possibly evolved from a tyrosinase by an ancient gene duplication followed by functional differentiation, and the current large number of tyrosinase isoforms in C. gigas and other mollusks were originated from multiple gene duplication events that took places before and after mollusk species were established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lethal giant larvae (Lgl) are an evolutionarily conserved tumor suppressor present in fungi and animals. It plays an essential role in establishing apical-basal cell polarity, cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue organization. Here, we report the presence of Lgl gene in the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum (SjLgl) (GenBank: KF246684). SjLgl protein was mainly distributed in the unique surface tegument structure by immunofluorescence microscopic staining. Using a simple soaking method, a short interfering RNA (siRNA)-based RNA interference approach knocked down the expression of SjLgl in schistosomula in vitro by up to 89.0 %. Moreover, tail vein injection of SjLgl-siRNA into the infected mice reduced SjLgl mRNA levels in vivo by 48.6-85.3 %, depending on the duration of treatments. SjLgl-specific siRNA treatment during the infection in mice significantly altered the surface structure of adult worm, featured by the disappearance or significant reduction of sharp spines on the inner all of oral and ventral suckers. The siRNA also reduced the hatching rates in eggs produced by treated mice by up to 85.3 %. These observations implied that Lgl plays an important role in the development of tegument in schistosomes, and may be explored as a novel target for developing immuno- and/or small molecule-based therapeutics to control and treat the infections caused by schistosome and other flatworms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photonic band gap of a two-dimensional triangular-lattice photonic crystal has been studied using the finite-difference time-domain method. The structure consists of two types of supercells: one with uniform dielectric rods and another with composite rods. Our results show that in both cases an enlarged band gap is present. The central frequency shifts to lower positions with a rise in the rod dielectric constant, but for the supercell with uniform dielectric rods, there are three smaller band gaps that cannot be formed into the enlarged one even when the dielectric constant reaches 57.5. For the photonic crystal of composite medium rods, the largest band gap appears when the dielectric constant reaches 36. Furthermore, the enlarged band gap is present when the dielectric constant decareases to 28. Our results show that the supercells play an important role in the formation of the enlarged photonic band gap. This work will be of significance in fabricating photonic crystal devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NYGGF4 (also called PID1) is a recently discovered gene that is involved in obesity-related insulin resistance (IR). We aimed in the present study to further elucidate the effects of NYGGF4 on IR and the underlying mechanisms through using metformin treatment in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our data showed that the metformin pretreatment strikingly enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake through increasing GLUT4 translocation to the PM in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes. NYGGF4 overexpression resulted in significant inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and serine phosphorylation of Akt, whereas incubation with metformin strongly activated IRS-1 and Akt phosphorylation in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes were strikingly enhanced, which could be decreased by the metformin pretreatment. Our data also showed that metformin increased the expressions of PGC1-α, NRF-1, and TFAM, which were reduced in the NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes. These results suggest that NYGGF4 plays a role in IR and its effects on IR could be reversed by metformin through activating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt and AMPK-PGC1-α pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overexpression of the Homo sapiens LYR motif containing 1 (LYRM1) causes mitochondrial dysfunction and induces insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. α-Lipoic acid (α-LA), a dithiol compound with antioxidant properties, improves glucose transport and utilization in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the direct effects of α-LA on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and insulin sensitivity in LYRM1 overexpressing 3T3-L1 adipocytes and to explore the underlying mechanism. Pretreatment with α-LA significantly increased both basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, while intracellular ROS levels in LYRM1 overexpressing 3T3-L1 adipocytes were decreased. These changes were accompanied by a marked upregulation in expression of insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and serine phosphorylation of Akt following treatment with α-LA. These results indicated that α-LA protects 3T3-L1 adipocytes from LYRM1-induced insulin resistance partially via its capacity to restore mitochondrial function and/or increase phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NYGGF4 (also called PID1) was demonstrated that it may be related to the development of obesity-related IR. We aimed in the present study to further elucidate the effects of NYGGF4 on IR and the underlying mechanisms through using α-Lipoic acid (LA) treatment, which could facilitate glucose transport and utilization in fully differentiated adipocytes. Our data showed that the LA pretreatment strikingly enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake through increasing GLUT4 translocation to the PM in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes were strikingly enhanced, which could be decreased by the LA pretreatment. NYGGF4 overexpression resulted in significant inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and serine phosphorylation of Akt, whereas incubation with LA strongly activated IRS-1 and Akt phosphorylation in NYGGF4 overexpression adipocytes. These results suggest that LA protects 3T3-L1 adipocytes from NYGGF4-induced IR partially through increasing phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt and provide evidence that NYGGF4 may be a potential target for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a multifactorial disease resulting from interactions between susceptibility genes, psychosocial, and environmental factors. However, it is becoming evident that interindividual differences in obesity susceptibility depend also on epigenetic factors, although the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. We have undertaken a genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation of human preadipocytes and mature adipocytes to examine the differences in methylation between them. We found hypomethylation occurring in 2,701 genes and hypermethylation in 1,070 genes after differentiation. Meanwhile, Gene Ontology analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed many significant gene functions and pathways with altered methylation status after adipocyte differentiation. In addition, Signal-Net analysis showed that tumor necrosis factor-α, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and interleukin-8 were important to the formation of this network. Our results suggest that DNA methylation mechanisms may be involved in regulating the differentiation process of human preadipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effects of Lyrm1 knockdown on the mitochondrial function of 3 T3-L1 adipocytes using small interfering RNA (siRNA). 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes were infected with either a negative control (NC) expression lentivirus or a Lyrm1-shRNA expression lentivirus and induced to differentiate. The knockdown efficiency of Lrym1-specific shRNA in 3 T3-L1 cells was evaluated by real-time PCR. The ultrastructure of the mitochondria in adipocytes was visualized using transmission electron microscopy after differentiation. The levels of mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and Ucp2 mRNA were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The levels of ATP production was detected using a photon-counting luminometer. The mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS levels of cells were analyzed with a FACScan flow cytometer using Cell Quest software. Cells transfected with lentiviral- Lyrm1-shRNA showed a significantly reduced transcription of Lyrm1 mRNA compared with NC cells. The size and ultrastructure of mitochondria in Lyrm1 knockdown adipocytes was similar to those of the NC cells. There was no significant difference in mtDNA copy number between the two groups. The total level of ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential and Ucp2 mRNA expression levels were dramatically increased in adipocytes transfected with Lyrm1 RNAi. Furthermore, the level of ROS was dramatically decreased in Lyrm1 knockdown adipocytes. Knockdown of the Lyrm1 gene in adipocytes resulted in dramatically increased cellular ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potentials and levels Ucp2 mRNA, while ROS levels were significantly decreased. These results imply that mitochondrial function is improved in adipocytes after the knockdown of Lyrm1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome and genitourinary complications of super-low anterior resection (SLAR) followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy in the management of patients with low rectal cancer. Method: One hundred and six low rectal cancer patients managed with SLAR were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were seven patients who failed to follow up, and the 5-year survival rate was 65.7% (65/99). There were 35 patients (35.4%) who developed distant metastases, and 12 (12.1%) had local recurrence. The local recurrence rates were 21.1% (4/19), 7.1% (2/28), 5.9% (1/17), and 0% (0/2) in the patients with tumor distance of less than or equal to 2 cm, ranging from 2.1 to 3.0, from 3.1 to 4.0, from 4.1 to 5.0, and more than 5 cm, respectively. This implied local recurrence rate increased against the distance between the lower margin of tumor and resection line. Ninety-eight of 106 rectal patients had complete data of questionnaire: 58 scored 1, 32 scored 2, 7 scored 3, and 1 score 4. This revealed that the fecal function of most patients (91.8%, 90/98) was normal or nearly normal. Twenty-four of 37 males suffered from sexual dysfunction, and among them, eight were impotent (all older than 70 years), and 29 had retrograde ejaculation. Meanwhile, seven of 35 females suffered from sexual problem, 1 had dyspareunia, seven had decreased lubrication, and one had inability to achieve orgasm. Conclusions: SLAR followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy can effectively control local-regional disease and can be one choice of avoiding the functional morbidity of abdominoperineal resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the procedure-related complications after pancreaticoduodenctomy (PD) and their risk factors. Methods: One hundred twenty-six patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for diseases at region of pancreatic head were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The overall surgical morbidity was 40.5% (51/126). Ten (7.9%) of 51 patients were identified as having pancreatic leakage, others included delayed gastric emptying (8.7%, 11), abdominal infection and abscess (7.9%, 10), abdominal bleeding (5.6%, 7), wound infection (4.8%, 6), wound dehiscence (2.4%, 3), biliary fistula (1.6%, 2) and operative death (1.6%, 2). Other postoperative complications were lung inflammation (3.9%, 5) and newly developed diabetes mellitus (2.3%, 3). Age (>60 years), coexisting diabetes mellitus, small main pancreatic duct (≤0.5 cm), and surgeon's experience (<10 patients within 5 years) were demonstrated to be independent risk factors by both univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Old patients with coexisting diabetes mellitus and small main pancreatic duct undergo pancreatoduodenectomy by a less experienced surgeon may be at high risk of procedure-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To evaluate the association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism (R72P) and the risk of colorectal liver metastases. The p53 R72P genotype was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in 78 consecutive colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases and 214 age-and sex-matched cases with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. The R allele of the p53 R72P polymorphism was more frequently found in metastatic cases than in nonmetastatic cases ( P=0.075). Carriers of the 72R allele had a 2.25-fold (95% CI (confidence interval)= 1.05∼4.83) increased risk of liver metastases. On the stratification analysis, 72R-carrying genotype conferred a 3.46-fold (95% CI=1.02∼11.72) and a 1.05-fold (95% CI=0.36∼3.08) increased risk of liver metastases for p53 overexpression-positive and negative colorectal cancers, respectively. These results demonstrate for the first time that the 72R allele of the p53 polymorphism has an increased risk for liver metastases in colorectal cancers positive for p53 overexpression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein samples prepared from sporozoites of two ionophore-sensitive strains (WIS and Penn St) and three resistant strains (FS139, FS459, and FS462) of Eimeria tenella were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfatepolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native PAGE), or two-dimensional electrophoresis with native PAGE and SDS-PAGE. Variant proteins that might be associated with ionophore resistance were observed in resistant field strains on native PAGE. When two-dimensional electrophoresis was conducted, four over-expressed peptides with approximate molecular weights of 97, 71, 70, and 50 kDa were observed in the FS139 field strain in comparison with the WIS laboratory strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) is often quantified via its UV absorption, typically at around 230 nm. This is convenient but the effect of the size of GO on the accuracy of this method has been ignored so far. The authors report that the molar absorbance of GO is size-dependent. Data are presented on the absorbance of small (hydrodynamic diameter 1 μm), medium sized (1.5 μm), and large (2.2 μm) GO particles at wavelengths of 210, 230 and 250 nm. In general, linear relationship and good regression fits are obtained, but with different slope depending on size even at the same wavelength. This implies that using the UV absorption-based calibration may cause significant errors in GO quantification. Ultimately, this leads to incorrect dosages and faulty conclusions. This may also explain a variety of inconsistent results obtained in previous biological applications of GO.The size of graphene oxide (GO) determines its UV absorption and the UV absorption-based calibration (GO-s, GO-m and GO-l represent the GO with small, medium and large size). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]