Clinical characteristics and prognosis of liver metastases with unknown primary site.

Background: Liver metastases from cancer of unknown primary (CUPL) constitute a rare disease, particularly among individuals younger than 50 years old. This paper aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with CUPL and analyze prognostic differences across distinct age groups.

Methods: Data pertaining to patients with CUPL were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Endoscopic and Surgical Treatment of Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Population-based Comparative Study.

Background: Controversy surrounds the indications for endoscopic treatment (ET) versus surgery in addressing gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (GI-NENs). This paper aims to compare the long-term survival prognosis between ET and surgery for patients with GI-NENs.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of GI-NEN patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 was conducted using the SEER database.

Population Viability Analysis on Chinese Goral Indicates an Extinction Risk for a Local Population in Beijing, China.

The Chinese goral () is identified as a vulnerable species on the Red List of China's Biodiversity and listed as a national second-class key protected wild animal in China. It is a representative flagship ungulate in Beijing. Its distribution range is fragmented and small populations are separated by dense infrastructures and tourism sites.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of early-onset cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based study.

Background: Little is known about the disease of early-onset cholangiocarcinoma (EOC). The primary objective of this study was to compare EOC with later-onset cholangiocarcinoma (LOC) concerning clinical features and survival prognosis.

Methods: 19325 cholangiocarcinoma patients were extracted from 1975 to 2020 in the SEER database.

Seasonal Variation in Gut Microbiota of the Wild Daurian Ground Squirrel (): Metagenomic Insights into Seasonal Breeding.

The the wild Daurian ground squirrel, is known to exhibit seasonal breeding behavior. Although the importance of gut microbiota in animal digestion, metabolism, and immunity is well-established, the correlation between gut microbiota and seasonal breeding in this species remains inadequately explored. In the present study, using metagenomic sequencing technology, the compositions and functions of the gut microbiota of wild Daurian ground squirrels in different breeding seasons were explored.

Current Genetic Structure Analysis of Leopard Cats Reveals a Weak Disparity Trend in Subpopulations in Beijing, China.

In the face of habitat shrinkage and segregation, the survival of wild cats looks bleak. Interpreting their population genetic structure during habitat fragmentation is critical in planning effective management strategies. To reveal the segregation effects of road construction and human settlements on the population genetic structure, we analyzed non-invasive fecal DNA samples from leopard cats () from five nature reserves in mountainous areas around Beijing.

Seasonal expressions of GPR41 and GPR43 in the colon of the wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus).

G-protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) and G-protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) are important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) receptors. Previous studies indicated that GPR41 and GPR43 are involved in the secretion of gastrointestinal peptides, and glucose and lipid metabolism, and are closely related to obesity and type II diabetes, and other diseases. The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between the GPR41 and GPR43 and seasonal breeding, and provide new prospects for further exploring the nutritional needs of breeding.

Seasonal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinases in the colon of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus).

Background: The purpose of the experiment was to explore the localization and seasonal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in the colonic tissue of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus).

Methods And Results: Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used in this experiment. The histological results showed that the diameter of the colon lumen enlarged and the number of glandular cells increased in the non-breeding season.

Seasonal Changes in the Distinct Taxonomy and Function of the Gut Microbiota in the Wild Ground Squirrel ().

Seasonal breeding is a normal phenomenon in which animals adapt to natural selection and reproduce only in specific seasons. Large studies have reported that the gut microbiota is closely related to reproduction. The purpose of this study was to explore the distinct taxonomy and function of the gut microbiota in the breeding and non-breeding seasons of the wild ground squirrel ().

Population Genetic Structure Analysis Reveals Decreased but Moderate Diversity for the Oriental Fire-Bellied Toad Introduced to Beijing after 90 Years of Independent Evolution.

Detailed molecular genetic research on amphibian populations has a significant role in understanding the genetic adaptability to local environments. The oriental fire-bellied toads () were artificially introduced to Beijing from Shandong Province in 1927, and since then, this separated population went through an independent evolution. To explore the differentiation of the introduced population with its original population, this study analyzed the genetic structure of the oriental fire-bellied toad, based on the mitochondrial genome control region and six microsatellite sites.

A Study of Population Size and Activity Patterns and Their Relationship to the Prey Species of the Eurasian Lynx Using a Camera Trapping Approach.

Revealing the behavioral relationships between predators and their prey is fundamental in understanding the community structure and ecosystem functions of such animals. This study aimed at detecting the population size and activity patterns of Eurasian lynx () (along with its prey) by camera trapping monitoring from 2014 to 2017 at the Saihanwula nature reserve in central Inner Mongolia. The total effective trapping days were 29,892 and 20 lynx were identified from 343 trapping photos based on the inner side patterns of their forelimbs.

The role of the adiponectin system in acute fasting-impaired mouse ovaries.

Adiponectin (ADIPOQ, encoded by Adipoq) is an important white adipose-derived adipokine linked to energy homeostasis and reproductive function. This study aims to reveal the expression and role of the adiponectin system in the ovaries under acute malnutrition. In this study, 48-h food deprivation significantly inhibited ovarian growth by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis in the ovaries of gonadotrophin-primed immature mice.

Non-invasive genetic analysis indicates low population connectivity in vulnerable Chinese gorals: concerns for segregated population management.

Detailed information on the size and genetic structure of wildlife populations is critical for developing effective conservation strategies, especially for those species that have suffered population decline and fragmentation due to anthropogenic activities. In the present study, we used a non-invasive approach combining fecal pellet sampling with mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA microsatellite marker analysis to monitor and compare the population structure of the Chinese goral () in Beijing and northeast Inner Mongolia in China. Of the 307 fecal samples confirmed to be from , 15 individuals (nine females and six males) were found in the Beijing population and 61 individuals (37 females and 24 males) were found in the Inner Mongolian population.

Seasonal expressions of prolactin, prolactin receptor and STAT5 in the scented glands of the male muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus).

Prolactin (PRL) production in mammals has been demonstrated in extrapituitary gland, which can activate autocrine/paracrine signaling pathways to regulate physiological activity. In the current study, we characterized the gene expression profiles of PRL, prolactin receptor (PRLR) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 5 (STAT5) in the scented glandular tissues of the muskrats, to further elucidate the relationship between PRL and the scented glandular functions of the muskrats. The weight and volume of the scented glands in the breeding season were significantly higher than those of the non-breeding season.

Seasonal expressions of androgen receptor, P450arom and estrogen receptors in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt).

The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrel. Histologically, the epididymis was with larger duct diameter and cell population during the breeding season. AR was presented in the peritubular smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells in the whole epididymis with stronger staining in the breeding period.

Isolation, Purification and Structural Characterization of Two Novel Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Anredera cordifolia.

, a climber and member of the Basellaceae family, has long been a traditional medicine used for the treatment of hyperglycemia in China. Two water-soluble polysaccharides, ACP1-1 and ACP2-1, were isolated from seeds by hot water extraction. The two fractions, ACP1-1 and ACP2-1 with molecular weights of 46.

Alternative splicing affects the targeting sequence of peroxisome proteins in Arabidopsis.

A systematic analysis of the Arabidopsis genome in combination with localization experiments indicates that alternative splicing affects the peroxisomal targeting sequence of at least 71 genes in Arabidopsis. Peroxisomes are ubiquitous eukaryotic cellular organelles that play a key role in diverse metabolic functions. All peroxisome proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and target to peroxisomes mainly through two types of targeting signals: peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1) and PTS2.

Correlation of epigenetic aberrance with STAT3 signaling pathway in gastric carcinogenesis.

Background: It has been suggested that STAT3 signaling plays important roles in regulating epigenetic aberrance during tumorigenesis, especially in the expression of certain key epigenetic enzymes such as DNMTs, HDACs, and HMTs. However, there has been no report on the relationship of STAT3 signaling and epigenetic aberrance in gastrocarcinogenesis.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationship of STAT3 signaling pathway and epigenetic aberrance in gastrocarcinogenesis.

Functional status, chronic stress, and cortisol response after mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury.

It is well known that individuals experience difficulties with depressive symptoms and functional status after traumatic brain injury. However, it is unclear what the relationship is between these 2 phenomena and whether there is a biological explanation for. In this secondary analysis, we examined whether depressive symptoms explained postinjury functional status and whether chronic stress and salivary cortisol influenced this relationship.