Efficient and genotype independent maize transformation using pollen transfected by DNA-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Current gene delivery methods for maize are limited to specific genotypes and depend on time-consuming and labor-intensive tissue culture techniques. Here, we report a new method to transfect maize that is culture-free and genotype independent. To enhance efficiency of DNA entry and maintain high pollen viability of 32%-55%, transfection was performed at cool temperature using pollen pretreated to open the germination aperture (40%-55%).

[Total thyroidectomy: indications and complications].

Objective: To investigate the indications and complications of the total thyroidectomy in the management of thyroid cancer.

Methods: Fifty-one patients with thyroid cancer operated with total thyroidectomy in a period from April 2007 to June 2010, were retrospective analyzed. There were 48 cases of papillary adenocarcinoma, 1 follicular adenocarcinoma, and 2 medullary carcinoma as well, 2 cases with hyperthyroidism, 3 cases with remote metastasis.