lncRNA LUNAR1 accelerates colorectal cancer progression by targeting the miR­495­3p/MYCBP axis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a tumor type characterized by high patient morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that long non­coding (lncRNA) LUNAR1 (LUNAR1) participates in the regulation of tumor progression, such as diffuse large B­cell lymphoma. However, its role and underlying mechanisms in CRC progression have not been elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which LUNAR1 regulates CRC progression. RT­qPCR and Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that LUNAR1 was highly expressed and was negatively associated with the overall survival of CRC patients. Moreover, CCK­8, clone formation, wound­healing migration, Transwell chamber and FACs assay analyses showed that LUNAR1 knockdown inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while accelerating cell apoptosis. Additionally, LUNAR1 was found to function as a sponge of miR­495­3p, which was predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, functional studies indicated that miR­495­3p overexpression inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while accelerating cell apoptosis. In addition, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays showed that miR­495­3p was found to negatively target Myc binding protein (MYCBP), and functional research showed that LUNAR1 accelerated CRC progression via the miR­495­3p/MYCBP axis. In conclusion, LUNAR1 accelerates CRC progression via the miR­495­3p/MYCBP axis, indicating that LUNAR1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for CRC patients.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol-A using N, Co Codoped TiO2 Catalyst under Solar Light.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) including heterogeneous photocatalysis has proven as one of the best technique for waste-water treatment. Photocatalytic process using semiconductor like TiO2 based heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising method for the treatment of toxic pollutants. In the present study, visible-light photoactive cobalt and nitrogen co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via wet impregnation method. The photocatalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectra, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), UV-vis spectrophotometer and X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometer (XPS). The photocatalytic activitiy of prepared (N, Co)-codoped TiO2 on the mineralization of Bisphenol-A (BPA) under visible light irradiation was studied and the results were compared to commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25). The results demonstrated that 1.5% Co and 0.5% N - codoped TiO2 samples revealed higher activity than commercial TiO2. Total organic carbon (TOC) removal was observed to be 97%, which indicate the complete mineralization of BPA. GC-MS analysis was carried to find out the possible intermediates formed and reaction pathway.

Lack of functionally active sweet taste receptors in the jejunum in vivo in the rat.

BACKGROUND: When studied in enterocyte-like cell lines (Caco-2 and RIE cells), agonists and antagonists of the sweet taste receptor (STR) augment and decrease glucose uptake, respectively. We hypothesize that exposure to STR agonists and antagonists in vivo will augment glucose absorption in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 30-cm segments of jejunum in anesthetized rats were perfused with iso-osmolar solutions containing 10, 35, and 100 mM glucose solutions (n = 6 rats, each group) with and without the STR agonist 2 mM acesulfame potassium and the STR inhibitor 10 µM U-73122 (inhibitor of the phospholipase C pathway). Carrier-mediated absorption of glucose was calculated by using stereospecific and nonstereospecific (14)C-d-glucose and (3)H-l-glucose, respectively. RESULTS: Addition of the STR agonist acesulfame potassium to the 10, 35, and 100 mM glucose solutions had no substantive effects on glucose absorption from 2.1 ± 0.2 to 2.0 ± 0.3, 5.8 ± 0.2 to 4.8 ± 0.2, and 15.5 ± 2.3 to 15.7 ± 2.7 µmoL/min/30-cm intestinal segment (P > 0.05), respectively. Addition of the STR inhibitor (U-73122) also had no effect on absorption in the 10, 35, and 100 mM solutions from 2.3 ± 0.1 to 2.1 ± 0.2, 7.7 ± 0.5 to 7.2 ± 0.5, and 15.7 ± 0.9 to 15.2 ± 1.1 µmoL/min/30-cm intestinal segment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of glucose directly into rat jejunum does not augment glucose absorption via STR-mediated mechanisms within the jejunum in the rat. Our experiments show either no major role of STRs in mediating postprandial augmentation of glucose absorption or that proximal gastrointestinal tract stimulation of STR or other luminal factors may be required for absorption of glucose to be augmented by STR.

Tube pharyngostomy--a useful alternative for long-term enteric decompression or enteral feeding.

The tube pharyngostomy has been all but forgotten in recent years, and rightfully so when a PEG or PEJ is possible. Nevertheless, the tube pharyngostomy should remain in the armamentarium of the GI surgeon for selected patients in whom longer term enteral access is not available by PEG or PEJ for various technical reasons, for those who absolutely refuse a nasoenteric tube, or as terminal palliation in patients with nonoperable but obstructing intra-abdominal neoplasms. Not only is it easy to place (albeit requiring a brief general anesthetic), but these tubes are much more comfortable than the "misery" to the patient of a nasoenteric tube by avoiding the annoying nasal and nasopharyngeal irritation,sinusitis, trouble with speech and coughing, and general discomfort of a longer term, indwelling nasoenteric tube. Moreover, the tube can be hidden under a turtleneck-types weater, thereby avoiding the social discomfort of a tube exiting the nares. The overall lack of experience and ignorance, not only with these tubes but also with their concept, has precluded many surgeons from recognizing their usefulness,albeit in highly selected patients. With these advantages and caveats in mind, the tube pharyngostomy can prove a valuable adjunct in selected patients.