Quantum Light Generation Based on GaN Microring toward Fully On-Chip Source

An integrated quantum light source is increasingly desirable in large-scale quantum information processing. Despite recent remarkable advances, a new material platform is constantly being explored for the fully on-chip integration of quantum light generation, active and passive manipulation, and detection. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate a gallium nitride (GaN) microring based quantum light generation in the telecom C-band, which has potential toward the monolithic integration of quantum light source. In our demonstration, the GaN microring has a free spectral range of 330 GHz and a near-zero anomalous dispersion region of over 100 nm. The generation of energy-time entangled photon pair is demonstrated with a typical raw two-photon interference visibility of 95.5±6.5%, which is further configured to generate a heralded single photon with a typical heralded second-order autocorrelation g_{H}^{(2)}(0) of 0.045±0.001. Our results pave the way for developing a chip-scale quantum photonic circuit.

Amorphophallus konjac anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum siamense in China

AIMS

Amorphophallus konjac is an important commercial crop grown in China because it is the only plant species which is rich in glucomannan concentration. Recently, an outbreak of anthracnose (incidence ranging from 10-15%) was observed in a field survey conducted from June to August 2018. This study aims to identify the causal agent of A. konjac anthracnose.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The pathogen was isolated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The fungal colony on PDA was greyish to dark grey. Conidia were falcate, one-celled and hyaline. Based on the micro-morphological and cultural characteristics, the pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum sp. blast search and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, GAPDH, CHS1, ACT, CAL and TUB2 genes revealed the pathogen as Colletotrichum siamense. Koch's postulates were conducted on 2-month konjac leaves with conidial suspension. Development of typical anthracnose disease was recorded 5 days after inoculation and the pathogen's identity was confirmed by re-isolation and molecular identification.

CONCLUSIONS

Amorphophallus konjac anthracnose was caused by C. siamense in China.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Identification of causal agent of A. konjac anthracnose will be helpful in designing effective disease control strategies.

[Correlation between(Pro) renin receptor levels and gender and disease severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the level of (pro) renin(P)RR in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients, and the gender and disease severity of the disease.b>Method:From March 2010 to March 2018, eighty OSA patients who were treated and diagnosed in our hospital were selected as subjects. Another 20 healthy subjects were selected as the control group.Plasma soluble (pro) renin receptor ［s(P)RR］ levels and clinical parameters were measured in healthy subjects and OSA patients with different sex and disease severity. Result:The plasma s(P)RR concentrations were significantly higher in OSA patients than that in control group. In all patients, plasma s(P)RR concentrations increased with increasing disease levels and showed the same trend between men and women. In addition,in all patients, plasma s(P)RR concentrations were significantly positively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio, HbA1c, AHI, and oxygen desaturation index. There was a significant negative correlation between saturation (MSpO₂) and minimum oxygen saturation (minSpO₂) (P<0.05).In female subjects,plasma s(P)RR concentrations were significantly positively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio and AHI,but significantly negatively correlated with eGFR (P<0.05).In male subjects,plasma s(P)RR concentration was significantly positively correlated with waist-to-hip ratio,HbA1c,renin level,AHI and oxygen desaturation index, but negatively correlated with eGFR, MSpO₂ and minSpO₂ (P<0.05). Plasma s(P)RR concentrations were significantly reduced after treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilator. In addition, ESS,AHI,MSpO₂,minSpO₂,and oxygen desaturation index were all significantly improved (P<0.05).Conclusion: Plasma s(P)RR levels in OSA patients are significantly positively correlated with the severity of the disease and can directly reflect the severity of the disease. In addition, the patient with higher waist-to-hip ratio and HbA1c, and lower eGFR can effect plasma s(P)RR levels, and may lead to OSA aggravation.

[Evaluation of carotid plaque neovascularization in carotid stenosis by contrast-enhanced ultrasound]

Objective: The identification of neovascularization in carotid plaque in carotid artery stenosis by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) provides other risk markers for stroke besides carotid artery stenosis -intraplaque neovascularization. Methods: From January 2017 to September 2017, 40 patients with carotid atherosclerosis plaque were examined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in China-Japanese Friendship Hospital. The enhancement intensity (EI) measured by contrast-enhanced ultrasound was compared with the micro-vessel density (MVD) measured by histopathology after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to observe whether there was enhancement in the plaque and the enhancement was divided into 0-2 grades. The EI in plaque, the ratio of EI in plaque to EI in carotid artery lumen were calculated by time intensity curve quantitative analysis software. Pathological sections of carotid plaques after CEA were stained with CD34 and neovascularization density was measured. Results: There were significant differences in age, EI1, EI1/EI2 and CD34 among patients with different grades of plaque enhancement (P<0.05), but no significant differences in gender and EI2 (P>0.05). The density of neovascularization obtained by CD34 staining was highly positively correlated with EI1 (r=0.836, P<0.001), EI1/EI2 (r=0.955, P<0.001), but not with age (r=0.066, P=0.684), EI2 (r=0.159, P=0.328). Conclusions: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can observe the neovascularization in carotid plaque, which is a simple and non-invasive method to evaluate the stability of carotid plaque. CEUS may also help to extract features of vulnerable plaques, such as acute intraplaque hemorrhage.

The effect of energy restriction on fatty acid profiles of longissimus dorsi and tissue adipose depots in sheep

Sheep production systems in northwest China depend mostly on natural grasslands. Seasonal growth and maturity fluctuations can cause periodical restrictions in food quality and quantity. These fluctuations, in turn, result in variability in fat deposition and fatty acid profiles in different fat depots. Consequently, the study objective was to compare fat deposition, intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage and fatty acid profiles of the longissimus dorsi (LD), kidney fat (KF), tail fat (TF), and subcutaneous fat (SF) in lambs under ME restrictions similar to seasonal changes observed in the natural grasslands of northwest China. Nineteen male Dorper × Small Tailed Han lambs were assigned to 2 treatments, a control (CON) fed at 1.0 MJ / W × d and restricted (RES) by restricting ME sequentially every 30 d (0.56 MJ / W × d, 0.84 / W × d, 1.0 MJ / W × d, 0.84 MJ / W × d, 0.56 MJ / W × d, 0.28 MJ / W × d). All lambs were harvested at the end of the 180 d experimental period. Compared to CON fed lambs, restricting ME resulted in lesser IMF, fat deposition indexes ( < 0.05) except testicular and heart fat and greater ( < 0.05) SFA in LD, KF, and TF depots. The RES fed lambs had greater ( < 0.05) -3 PUFA, eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n3), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3, EPA), and trans-linolelaidic acid (C18:2n6t) in LD muscle. The conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) content was greater in the SF depots of the CON fed lambs compared to the RES fed lambs. Fatty acid ratios (unsaturated fatty acid; USFA:SFA, MUFA:SFA, PUFA:SFA), and percentage USFA in RES fed lambs were lesser in muscle and adipose tissue compared to CON fed lambs ( < 0.05), except SF depots. In RES fed lambs, EFA were less ( < 0.05) in LD and KF depots and the ratios of functional fatty acids were lesser in LD and some adipose tissues ( < 0.05), including lesser n-6:n-3 in KF and SF ( < 0.05) depots, lesser USFA, SFA, MUFA, SFA in LD, KF, and TF ( < 0.05) depots, and lesser PUFA and SFA in LD and TF ( < 0.05) depots. Results from this research demonstrate that sequential energy restriction, as might be experience during seasonal forage quality and quantity changes in natural grasslands, result in lesser intramuscular fat with associated lesser quality, as well as, changes in fatty acid composition in different fat depots, which has implications for both meat quality and animal physiological functions.

[Traditional nasal therapy in Uighur medicine]

Nasal therapy, extensively documented in the ancient Uighur medical literature, is one of the external therapies of Uighur medicine. Based on the relevant records of 14 Uighur medical works, the application, classification, clinical features, and medications characteristics of nasal therapy were preliminarily sorted out. The results show that the nasal therapy can be divided into 7 categories, covering more than 200 kinds of common medicinal herbs, 8 kinds of processing methods and 10 kinds of preparations. Clinically, there is a large number of nasal therapy prescriptions, with flexible administration of prescriptions and medications, significant features of comprehensive therapy, with significance of application for further development.

Promoter analysis and tissue expression of the chicken ASB15 gene

1. This study was conducted to explore the promoter region of the chicken ASB15 gene by detecting the activities of the dual luciferase reporter gene and to assess expression profiles of the ASB15 gene in 10 different tissues from Gushi chickens. 2. Five dual luciferase reporter gene vectors were constructed and transfected into DF1 cells. The activities of recombined plasmids were measured and the core promoter was confirmed by bioinformatic analysis. Total RNA was extracted and the relative expression of the ASB15 gene was examined. 3. Data analysis indicated that the promoter was located from -955 to -212 bp. Results showed that the chicken ASB15 gene was expressed in heart, breast muscle and leg muscle. 4. This study has confirmed the promoter region and the expression profile of the chicken ASB15 gene, which provides a foundation for further exploring its transcriptional regulation and function.

Polymorphisms of Flanking Region of the ASB15 Gene and Their Associations with Performance Traits in Chicken

Research on the identity of genes and their relationship with traits of economic importance in chickens could assist in the selection of poultry. In this study, an F₂ resource population of Gushi chickens crossed with Anka broilers was used to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the flanking region of the ASB15 gene by DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). One SNP of -1271 C>T in 5' flanking region of the chicken ASB15 gene and two SNPs of the 10618 A>G and 10716 G>A in 3' flanking region were identified. Furthermore, the 10618 A>G and 10716 G>A in 3' flanking region were in complete linkage. Association analysis results showed that -1271 C>T was not associated with performance traits, while the 10618 A>G and 10716 G>A were significantly associated with BW2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, SL12, CD8, CW4, 8, 12, BSL4, 8, 12, and SEW, EW, WW, BMW, LW, CW, SFT. Our results suggest that the ASB15 gene profoundly affects chicken performance traits.

Effects of tail docking on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep

To evaluate stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) expression in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep (with and without docked tails), 18 rams were randomly divided into two equal groups (docked group, LT; control group, LC). These data were also used to increase the understanding of sheep fat deposition and metabolism. All animals were harvested at the age of 18 months, and expression was determined for 10 tissues. The results indicated that the fat weight of each tissue in LT was higher than in LC (P < 0.05). SCD expression in semitendinosus, omentum majus fat (OF), subcutaneous fat, kidney fat (KF), and subcutaneous rump fat was higher in LT than in LC rams (P < 0.05). Trends (P < 0.10) associated with higher HSL expression of LC in comparison to that of LT rams in intestinal fat, OF, and KF tissues were detected. Numerically, LPL expression was the highest in KF, OF, and kidney tissues, but there were few differences (P > 0.10). PPARγexpression was greater in LT than in LC rams in liver tissues (P < 0.05), but there were few differences in other tissues. No significant differences were found with regard to the regression analysis of expression and adipose tissue weights, but the two indices exhibited the same trend. The results indicated that changes in fatty deposits may be due to the common control of docking management and the minor effects associated with the regulation of SCD, HSL, LPL, and PPARγexpression.

Comparison of longissimus dorsi Fatty Acids Profiles in Gansu Black Yak and Chinese Yellow Cattle Steers and Heifers

Fatty acid (FA) composition of longissimus dorsi intramuscular fat in Black Yak and Chinese Yellow Cattle were evaluated in 44 Black Yak and 41 Chinese Yellow Cattle of both genders. Interactions of species with gender were observed for total saturated fatty acid (SFA), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, EPA, and DHA concentrations, as well as PUFA/SFA ratio in the longissimus dorsi (p<0.05). The SFA percentage was greater in yellow cattle than yak in both genders but the species difference in heifers was greater than in steers (p<0.05). Yak had greater UFA, MUFA and PUFA percentages than yellow cattle in both steers and heifers (p<0.05) but the difference between yak and yellow cattle heifers was greater than yak and yellow cattle steers. The percentages of inolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid; and PUFA/SFA were greater in yak than yellow cattle in both steers and heifers (p<0.05). In addition, the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA in yak was lesser than in yellow cattle (p<0.05). These results indicated that FA composition generally differed between yak and yellow cattle but the differences were not the same in heifers as compared to steers. Results also suggested that species differences in FA composition tended to favor Black Yak over Chinese Yellow Cattle, indicating that the longissimus dorsi of Black Yak may have a higher nutritive value than that of Chinese Yellow Cattle and potential for development as a desirable natural product.

Relationships of milk yield and quality from six breed groups of beef cows to preweaning average daily gain of their calves

Milk yield and quality influence calf preweaning growth and ultimately the sale value of the calf at weaning. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationships of milk production and quality of beef cows to calf preweaning ADG in beef cows sired by Bonsmara, Brangus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, and Romosinuano and from Brangus dams to determine whether the relationships were homogeneous across cow breed group. Approximately 50 cows/yr were milked monthly for 6 mo in each of the 7 yr of this study. Milk traits were included in models as linear and quadratic covariates along with interactions of the covariates with sire breed. Tests for curvilinearity and homogeneity of regression coefficients indicated the relationship of calf preweaning ADG to milk yield and quality was quadratic and homogeneous across Charolais and Gelbvieh; linear and homogeneous across Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuano; and linear and different from other sire breeds in Herefords (P < 0.05). Exceptions to this were in the regression of calf preweaning ADG on the natural logarithm of somatic cell count (SCC) and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). The relationship of calf preweaning ADG to SCC was quadratic in Brangus (P < 0.05) and linear in Gelbvieh (P < 0.05) with little evidence (P > 0.05) of a relationship in Bonsmara, Charolais, Hereford, or Romosinuano. There was little evidence (P > 0.05) of a relationship of calf preweaning ADG to MUN in any of the sire breed groups. Results from this study confirmed the importance of the influence of milk yield and quality on calf preweaning growth but indicated this influence can depend on the breed composition of the cow. Furthermore, results suggest that breed origin or adaptation may have influenced the relationships of calf preweaning ADG to cow milk yield and quality.

Expression of Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 in colon cancer and colon adenoma

AIM: To explore the expression of Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 in colon cancer and colon adenoma.

METHODS: The expression of Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 in 100 colon cancer tissues and 100 colon adenoma tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Correlations between Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 expression and between their expression and clincopatholgical parameters were investigated using Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS: The expression of Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 had no significant correlation with age, sex, tumor differentiation or infiltration (P > 0.05). The positive expression rates of Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 differed significantly between the lymph node metastasis group (18.18%, 31.82%, and 90.91%, respectively) and non-lymph node metastasis group (52.56%, 89.74%, and 61.54%, respectively) and between Duke's stage A-B (52.56%, 89.74%, and 61.54%, respectively) and C-D (18.18%, 31.82%, and 90.91%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The positive expression rates of Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 were 45.00%, 77.00% and 68.00%, respectively, in colon cancer tissues and 83.00%, 49.00% and 26.00%, respectively, in adenoma tissues (P < 0.01). The expression of P53 was positively correlated with that of Caspase3 (r = 0.315, P < 0.01), but negatively correlated with that of Ki-67 (r = -0.302, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Caspase3, P53 and Ki-67 are all involved in the development and progression of colon cancer, and combined detection of their expression can help determine the invasion, metastasis and prognosis of this malignancy.

Study of the correlation between GH gene polymorphism and growth traits in sheep

The growth hormone gene plays an important role in the physiological function of an organism. The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between polymorphisms in the 5' regulatory region, exon 4, and 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the sheep GH gene and sheep growth traits. The DNA from 510 adult sheep was analyzed by DNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism. Two alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), 2 alleles (A and B) and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB), and 3 alleles (A, B, and C) and 4 genotypes (AA, AB, BB, and AC) were found within the 5' regulatory region, exon 4, and 3' UTR, respectively. In Tibetan sheep, the association analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the scores of weight, length, and heart girth within the 5' regulatory region; weight, length, wither height, and heart girth within exon 4; and weight, length, wither height, and heart girth within the 3' UTR among the different genotypes. For exon 4, Poll Dorset sheep individuals with genotype AA showed a lower score than those of genotypes BB and AB (P<0.05). With regard to the 3' UTR, Poll Dorset sheep with genotype AC showed higher scores than those of genotypes AA and AB (P<0.05).

Establishment of the optimum two-dimensional electrophoresis system of ovine ovarian tissue

Lambing performance of sheep is the most important economic trait and is regarded as a critic factoring affecting the productivity in sheep industry. Ovary plays the most roles in lambing trait. To establish the optimum two-dimensional electrophoresis system (2-DE) of ovine ovarian tissue, the common protein extraction methods of animal tissue (trichloroacetic acid/acetone precipitation and direct schizolysis methods) were used to extract ovine ovarian protein, and 17-cm nonlinear immobilized PH 3-10 gradient strips were used for 2-DE. The sample handling, loading quantity of the protein sample, and isoelectric focusing (IEF) steps were manipulated and optimized in this study. The results indicate that the direct schizolysis III method, a 200-μg loading quantity of the protein sample, and IEF steps II (20°C active hydration, 14 h→500 V, 1 h→1000 V 1 h→1000-9000 V, 6 h→80,000 VH→500 V 24 h) are optimal for 2-DE analysis of ovine ovarian tissue. Therefore, ovine ovarian tissue proteomics 2-DE was preliminarily established by the optimized conditions in this study; meanwhile, the conditions identified herein could provide a reference for ovarian sample preparation and 2-DE using tissues from other animals.

Lentiviral-mediated RNAi targeting caspase-3 inhibits apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in rat endplate chondrocytes in vitro

Current studies find that degenerated cartilage endplates (CEP) of vertebrae, with fewer diffusion areas, decrease nutrient supply and accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration. Many more apoptotic cells have been identified in degenerated than in normal endplates, and may be responsible for the degenerated grade. Previous findings suggest that inhibition of apoptosis is one possible approach to improve disc regeneration. It is postulated that inhibition of CEP cell apoptosis may be responsible for the regeneration of endplates. Caspase-3, involved in the execution phase of apoptosis, is a candidate for regulating the apoptotic process. In the present study, CEP cells were incubated in 1% fetal bovine serum. Activated caspases were detected to identify the apoptotic pathway, and apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Lentiviral caspase-3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was employed to study its protective effects against serum deprivation. Silencing of caspase-3 expression was quantified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blots, and inhibition of apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Serum deprivation increased apoptosis of rat CEP cells through activation of a caspase cascade. Lentiviral caspase-3 shRNA was successfully transduced into CEP cells, and specifically silenced endogenous caspase-3 expression. Surviving cells were protected by the downregulation of caspase-3 expression and activation. Thus, lentiviral caspase-3 shRNA-mediated RNAi successfully silenced endogenous caspase-3 expression, preventing inappropriate or premature apoptosis.

Fatty acid composition differences between adipose depot sites in dairy and beef steer breeds

The objective of the study was to compare fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi (LD) and kidney fat (KF) in Holstein steers (HS), Simmental steers (SS) and Chinese LongDong Yellow Cattle steers (CLD). All steers received the same nutrition and management but in different locations. Cattle were harvested at approximately 550 kg and fatty acid composition of longissimus dorsi and kidney fat was analyzed in samples taken after 3 days of aging. There was evidence (P < 0.05) that C18:3n6 was greater in KF than LD in CLD cattle but not in HS or SS cattle. Percentage C18:1n9, C18:2n6, C18:3n3, and n6 fatty acids were greater in LD than KF for all breeds (P < 0.05), but the difference between fat sources for n6 in CLD cattle was smaller than the other two breeds. The LD had greater percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and a greater ratio of n6:n3 PUFAs compared to the KF in each breed (P < 0.05). The △(9)-desaturase catalytic activity index was greater in LD than in KF in each breed group (P < 0.05). Percentage cis-9, trans-11 CLA was greater in KF than LD in HS (P < 0.05) but not SS or CLD cattle. These results indicate fatty acid percentages generally differed between longissimus dorsi fat and kidney fat. Further, there was some indication that some of these differences between fatty acid deposition sites were not consistent across breed group.

Microstructural analysis of collagen and elastin fibres in the kangaroo articular cartilage reveals a structural divergence depending on its local mechanical environment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the microstructure of the collagen and elastin fibres in articular cartilage under different natural mechanical loading conditions and determine the relationship between the microstructure of collagen and its mechanical environment.

METHOD

Articular cartilage specimens were collected from the load bearing regions of the medial femoral condyle and the medial distal humerus of adult kangaroos. The microstructure of collagen and elastin fibres of these specimens was studied using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and the orientation and texture features of the collagen were analysed using ImageJ.

RESULTS

A zonal arrangement of collagen was found in kangaroo articular cartilage: the collagen fibres aligned parallel to the surface in the superficial zone and ran perpendicular in the deep zone. Compared with the distal humerus, the collagen in the femoral condyle was less isotropic and more clearly oriented, especially in the superficial and deep zones. The collagen in the femoral condyle was highly heterogeneous, less linear and more complex. Elastin fibres were found mainly in the superficial zone of the articular cartilage of both femoral condyle and distal humerus.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that the collagen structure and texture of kangaroo articular cartilage is joint-dependent. This finding emphasizes the effects of loading on collagen development and suggests that articular cartilage with high biochemical and biomechanical qualities could be achieved by optimizing joint loading, which may benefit cartilage tissue engineering and prevention of joint injury. The existence of elastin fibres in articular cartilage could have important functional implications.

[Progress on the research of regulation effect of fibroblasts with acupuncture-moxibustion]

Twenty-one Chinese literatures and 10 English literatures are included through retrieval of the full text journal database and degree paper database of CNKI and PubMed (1979-2011) in this paper. And the result indicats that regulative effect can be produced on local fascia tissue, corresponding viscera or the form, proliferation of fibroblast and extracellular matrix related factor at acupoints of healthy or pathological rat-oriented animal model through needling, electroacupuncture, moxibustion and pressure. And it has gradually developed into a new tendency of research on acupuncture-moxibustion mechanism.

Molecular characterization and functional analysis of sheep thyroid transcription factor-1

Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), a member of the Nkx2 family of homeodomain-containing proteins, is involved in binding to and in activating the promoters of several important genes in the thyroid, lungs, and brain, and in regulating expression of these tissue-specific genes. We investigated potential roles of sheep (Ovis aries) TTF-1 in regulating cell fate and organ morphogenesis and in controlling puberty and reproductive capability of females. We amplified and cloned the sheep TTF-1 full-length DNA for the first time, analyzed its functional domains and regions, predicted molecular structure of its homeodomain and DNA-binding sites, and examined its expression in pituitary, brain, thyroid gland, ovary, and hypothalamus. We found that sheep TTF-1 has a high degree of homologous identity with that of other mammals, and it has several important domains including domain N, DNA-binding domain, domain C, TN-domain, domain I, and NK2-SD. The DNA-binding domain of sheep TTF-1 has 10 potential DNA-binding sites and is a novel mammalian homeodomain that shows considerable sequence homology with the corresponding rat homeodomain. Several functional regions in sheep TTF-1 share high sequence identity with rat TTF-1, indicating that these regions may have the same activity as in the rat. Expression of TTF-1 in several specific tissues implies that sheep TTF-1 in involved in sheep sexual development and reproductive capability. These results suggest a role of sheep TTF-1 in enhancing sheep reproduction performance and we propose it as a candidate gene for selection.

Possible applications for fascial anatomy and fasciaology in traditional Chinese medicine

Research using medical imaging instruments such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has led to the proposal that the fascial network distributed over the human body is the anatomical basis for the acupoints and meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we put forward a new theory of anatomy called fascial anatomy. In fascial anatomy, a human body is divided into two major systems. One is the supporting-storing system of unspecialized connective tissues. The other is a functional system. An undifferentiated non-specific connective tissue network, with the participation of the nervous and the immune systems, constitutes the supporting-storing system of the human body. The various differentiated functional cells in the body that are supported and surrounded by the supporting-storing system constitute the functional system. The discipline that studies the supporting-storing system and the mutual relationship between this system and the functional system in a living human body is called fasciaology. The establishment of fascial anatomy and fasciaology opens a new research field in anatomy; consequently, fasciaology will play a significant role in biological medicine and traditional Chinese medical research, as well as future clinical practice.

Pyrazinoindolone inhibitors of MAPKAP-K2

Optimization of pyrazinoindolone inhibitors of MAPKAP-K2 (MK2) provides a reasonable balance of cellular potency and physicochemical properties. Mechanistic studies support the inhibition of MK2 which is responsible for the sub-micromolar cellular efficacy.

Characterization of metallothioneins (MT-I and MT-II) in the yak

The cDNA-encoding sequences for yak metallothionein isoforms I (MT-I) and II (MT-II) were amplified and cloned by reverse-transcription PCR to characterize the nucleotide sequence and protein structure of metallothionein in the yak. The cDNA sequences of MT-I and MT-II were subjected to BLAST searching at the National Center for Biotechnology Information, and the results indicated that the nucleotide sequences of yak MT-I and MT-II, when compared among different species of mammals, are highly conserved. The yak open reading frames have a length of 183 nucleotides, which encode for yak MT-I and MT-II proteins of 61 AA, respectively. Analysis of hydrophobicity, trans-membrane region, and signal peptides suggested that metallothioneins of the yak are nonsecretory proteins. There were several conserved tripeptide sequences, such as C-X-C, C-C-X-C-C, and C-X-X-C (X designates AA excluding cysteine in MT-I and MT-II), and they are highly conserved in their evolution. By homologous comparative modeling, we predicted the molecular spatial structures of yak MT-I and MT-II, which are composed of alpha- and beta-domains that are linked by the conserved tripeptide Lys(30)-Lys(31)-Ser(32) (KKS).

Expression of neural cell adhesion molecule in spinal cords following a complete transection

Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) regulates tissue organization during development and in the adult. NCAM upregulation occurs after an injury to brains and sciatic nerves. However, little is known about NCAM expression after spinal cord injury (SCI). By using a complete spinal cord transection with a 5 mm tissue removal, an increase in the NCAM level is detected in spinal cord stumps proximal and distal to the transection site at 1 d and 3 d post injury, while its expression at 8 d is declined to a lower level than that observed in sham-operated spinal cords. The strong NCAM expression is present in motor neurons at 3 d post transection whereas the intensive NCAM immunostaining is localized in dorsal sensory and corticospinal fiber tracts at 8 d following injury. Collectively, NCAM level is elevated and strongly expressed in dorsal fiber tracts after SCI, implying that the endogenous process for spinal cord regeneration may take place after SCI.

Tetrandrine inhibits inward rectifying potassium current in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells

AIM

To study the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on inward rectifying potassium current in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells.

METHODS

Inward rectifying potassium current (IRK) was observed by the whole cell patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

IRK was inhibited by Tet in a concentration-dependent manner and recovered to normal after wash with drug-free external solution. IRK was reduced from (582 +/- 48) pA to (221 +/- 40) pA at a holding potential of -70 mV by Tet 30 mumol/L. IC50 was 2.8 mumol/L.

CONCLUSION

Tet inhibited inward rectifying potassium current in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha modulates the proliferation of neural progenitors in the subventricular/ventricular zone of adult rat brain

Little is known about the response of neural progenitors to inflammation following injuries of the central nervous system. In combination with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a proinflammatory cytokine that increased ED1+ activated microglia/macrophage population at injured sites, was administrated into adult rat brains. No difference in the immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was observed in the subventricular/ventricular zone (SVZ/VZ) between TNF-alpha injected sites and controls. However, BrdU+ cells were apparently observed in the SVZ/VZ proximal to TNF-alpha injected site, and the number of BrdU+ cells increased at 6 and 24 h post injection. Since cell apoptosis was rarely found in the SVZ/VZ after TNF-alpha injection, these observations suggest that the diffusible TNF-alpha may directly and/or indirectly modulate the proliferation of neural progenitors.

Microstimulation-induced inhibition of neuronal firing in human globus pallidus

Neurosurgical treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently employs chronic high-frequency deep brain stimulation (DBS) within the internal segment of globus pallidus (GPi) and can very effectively reduce L-dopa-induced dyskinesias and bradykinesia, but the mechanisms are unknown. The present study examined the effects of microstimulation in GPi on the activity of neurons close to the stimulation site. Recordings were made from GPi using two fixed or independently controlled microelectrodes, with the electrode tips usually approximately 250 or >600 micrometer apart in PD patients undergoing stereotactic exploration to localize the optimal site for placement of a lesion or DBS electrode. The spontaneous activity of nearly all of the cells (22/23) recorded in GPi in three patients was inhibited by microstimulation at currents typically <10 microA (0.15-ms pulses at 5 Hz). The inhibition had a duration of 10-25 ms at threshold. These findings suggest that microstimulation within GPi preferentially excites the axon terminals of striatal and/or external pallidal neurons causing release of GABA and inhibition of GPi neurons.

Responses of microglia and neural progenitors to mechanical brain injury

Neural cells have distinct responses to CNS injury; however, neural progenitor response to CNS injury is not yet documented. Stab injury combined with injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a thymidine analog, into adult rat cortex above the lateral ventricle for 10 min resulted in activated microglia/macrophage infiltration along with nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B)/p65 activation at the lesion site. Most NF kappa B/p65+ cells displayed a phagocytic morphology. Under these conditions, profound cell apoptosis took place in the injured corpus callosum, but not in the subventricular/ventricular zone (SVZ/VZ). The SVZ/VZ-derived neural progenitors in both injected and non-injected contralateral hemispheres showed strong BrdU immunostaining, indicating that SVZ/VZ-derived neural progenitors of both hemispheres may undergo DNA synthesis in response to unilateral brain injury.

Brainstem projections to the ventromedial medulla in cat: retrograde transport horseradish peroxidase and immunohistochemical studies

Stimulation of the nucleus magnocellularis (NMC) of the medulla produces changes in locomotion, muscle tone, heart rate, and blood pressure. Glutamatergic input has been found to modulate muscle tone, whereas cholinergic input has been found to mediate cardiovascular changes produced by stimulation of the NMC. The current study was designed to identify the brainstem afferents to NMC by using retrograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin and horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) combined with glutamate and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunohistochemical and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemical techniques. Fifty nanoliters of 2.5% WGA-HRP were microinjected into the NMC in the cat. A heavy density of WGA-HRP-labeled neurons was found in the ipsilateral mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF), periaqueductal gray, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, and pontis centralis caudalis (PoC), in the contralateral pontis centralis oralis (PoO), and bilaterally in the nucleus paragigantocellularis lateralis. A moderate density of retrogradely labeled neurons was found in the ipsilateral side of the nuclei parvocellularis, retrorubral (RRN), PoO, and vestibular complex, in the contralateral PoC and nucleus gigantocellularis, and bilaterally in the inferior vestibular nucleus. Retrograde HRP/glutamate-positive cells could be found throughout the brainstem, with a high percentage in RRN, PoO, PoC, and MRF. Double-labeled WGA-HRP/ChAT neurons were found in the pedunculopontine nucleus. Double-labeled WGA-HRP/NADPH-d-positive neurons could be seen in many nuclei of the brainstem, although the number of labeled neurons was small. The dense glutamatergic projections to the NMC support the hypothesis that rostral brainstem glutamatergic mechanisms regulate muscle activity and locomotor coordination via the NMC, whereas the pontine cholinergic projections to the NMC participate in cardiovascular regulation.

Neurotoxic N-methyl-D-aspartate lesion of the ventral midbrain and mesopontine junction alters sleep-wake organization

The dorsal regions of the midbrain and pons have been found to participate in sleep regulation. However, the physiological role of the ventral brainstem in sleep regulation remains unclear. We used N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced lesions of the ventral midbrain and pons to address this question. Unlike dorsal mesencephalic reticular formation lesions, which produce somnolence and electroencephalogram synchronization, we found that ventral midbrain lesions produce insomnia and hyperactivity. Marked increases in waking and decreases in slow wave sleep stage 1 (S1), stage 2 (S2) and rapid eye movement sleep were found immediately after the lesion. Sleep gradually increased, but never returned to baseline levels (baseline/month 1 post-lesion: waking, 30.6 +/- 4.58%/62.3 +/- 10.1%; S1, 5.1 +/- 0.74/3.9 +/- 1.91%; S2, 46.2 +/- 4.74%/23.1 +/- 5.47%; rapid eye movement sleep, 14.1 +/- 3.15%/7.2 +/- 5.42%). These changes are comparable in magnitude to those seen after basal forebrain lesions. Neuronal degeneration was found in the ventral rostral pons and midbrain, including the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, retrorubral nucleus, and ventral mesencephalic and rostroventral pontine reticular formation. We conclude that nuclei within the ventral mesencephalon and rostroventral pons play an important role in sleep regulation.

Ferrous ion diminished the antiarrhythmic effect of naloxone in myocardial ischemia of isolated rat hearts

This investigation was to examine the effect of ferrous ion (a prooxidant) on the antiarrhythmic effect of naloxone (an endogenous opioid receptor antagonist) in isolated rat hearts. Isolated Sprague-Dawley rat hearts were perfused in the Langendorff mode and myocardial ischemia was performed by ligating the left descending coronary artery. Cardiac rhythm was recorded. Heart alpha-tocopherol concentrations were analyzed. Naloxone (1.2 micromol/heart) was effective in reducing the severity of arrhythmia (arrhythmia score; mean+/-S.E.M: 2.82+/-0.69 for naloxone vs. 5.18+/-0.38 for control, p<0.01). Fe2+ (100 nmol/heart) alone did not significantly affect the arrhythmia score (5.63+/-0.32) when compared with the control, however, Fe2+ administration did cause significant early onset of ventricular premature contraction and ventricular tachycardia. Additionally, Fe2+ administration diminished the naloxone's antiarrhythmic effect (arrhythmia score 4.12+/-0.40). Alpha-tocopherol, a major free radical scavenger that exerts protective functions on heart tissues during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, was significantly higher in the naloxone-treated group (59.05+/-3.00 nmol/g wet wt) than in the control group (43.84+/-4.17 nmol/g wet wt, p<0.05). These results suggest that endogenous opioid peptides and reactive oxygen species might be related to ischemia-induced arrhythmia.

Quantitative study of Stewart-Holmes test

Stewart-Homes test (SHT) is an ordinary neurological test performed for the diagnosis for cerebellar disease. We developed a quantitative method based on SHT carried out on the upper limb. Nineteen cerebellar patients and fifteen volunteer healthy subjects were tested. During the test, acceleration of forearm and two associated surface EMGs over biceps and triceps brachialis were recorded and analyzed. (1) Acceleration curve showed an oscillating pattern with flexion and extension over the elbow in both groups, but in cerebellar patient group, the acceleration oscillation wave was more pronounced and latencies of peak acceleration were significantly longer. (2) Correspondingly, the EMGs timing parameters were also different between the two groups: in patient group, ceasing isometric biceps contraction was delayed; rebound EMGs bursts over both biceps and triceps were prolonged. (3) Modelization of the oscillation of acceleration curve with dampened oscillation model showed that in patient group the oscillating amplitude attenuated much more slowly than in control group. A standard curve was established for detecting the acceleration profile abnormalities of SHT in cerebellar patients.

Evaluation of extracellular lipid peroxidation in brain cortex of anaesthetized rats by microdialysis perfusion and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection

A method for in vivo evaluation of lipid peroxidation in the extracellular space of anaesthetized rat brain cortex was developed. This method involved the use of microdialysis perfusion and high-performance liquid chromatography. The microdialysates, eluted from implanted probes, were reacted with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) prior to analysis by an HPLC system equipped with a fluorescence detector (excitation and emission wavelengths were 515 and 550 nm, respectively). Lipid peroxidation in the extracellular space was evaluated as the concentration of malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation end product which reacts with TBA to form a fluorescent conjugate. Significantly increased production of malondialdehyde following hydrogen peroxide perfusion (0.03%, 0.3% at a flow-rate of 1 microl/min) was observed in the brain cortex of anaesthetized rats.

In vivo, continuous and automatic monitoring of extracellular ascorbic acid by microdialysis and on-line liquid chromatography

A system for in vivo, automatic, continuous monitoring of organ extracellular ascorbic acid in anesthetized rat is described. This system involves microdialysis perfusion and a LC system equipped with an electrochemical detector. Microdialysate, eluted from a microdialysis probe implanted in the brain cortex or in the left ventricular myocardium of anesthetized rats was collected in the sample loop of an on-line injector for direct injection onto the LC system. This automated method provides a shortened sample processing time. This system was utilized to investigate the effect of cerebral ischemia on cortex extracellular ascorbic acid and the effect of myocardial ischemia on left ventricular myocardium extracellular ascorbic acid in anesthetized rats. Basal ascorbic acid concentrations in the cortex and left ventricular myocardium ranged from 9.7 to 15.4 microM (mean +/- S.D., 12.7 +/- 2.5 microM from the results of eight rats) and from 9.3 to 36.0 microM (mean +/- S.D., 24.3 +/- 8.9 microM from the results of twelve rats), respectively. Cerebral ischemia significantly elevated ascorbic acid levels in the cortex extracellular space, while myocardial ischemia did not significantly alter ascorbic acid levels in the left ventricular myocardium extracellular space.

[24-hour electroencephalography monitoring in children: analysis of 403 cases]

24-hour EEG monitoring was performed in 403 children with repeated seizure of various types. The positive rate was 82.7% for defined epilepsy. Epileptic discharges mainly occurred in NREM stage and focal discharges accounted for 69%. More than 70% of the children suspected of epilepsy were excluded from epileptic seizures. 24-hour EEG monitoring is of significant value in determining seizure characteristics, epilepsy types, the relations between epilepsy and sleep and between clinical seizures and EEGs.

Opioids in myocardial ischaemia: potentiating effects of dynorphin on ischaemic arrhythmia, bradycardia and cardiogenic shock following coronary artery occlusion in the rat

The endogenous opioid peptide (EOP) dynorphin and opioid receptors have been found in the heart. This opioid system plays important roles in cardiovascular regulation and is involved in the pathophysiology of shock, heart failure and myocardial ischaemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the EOP dynorphin modulates or potentiates ischaemia-induced arrhythmias and whether its effects are prevented by the opiate antagonist naloxone. Following coronary artery occlusion, all rats in the control group developed ischaemia-induced arrhythmias, bradycardia and hypotension, which were significantly potentiated by pre-treatment with dynorphin and attenuated by treatment with naloxone. The results clearly indicate that EOPs may be released when myocardial ischaemia occurs, thus causing arrhythmias, bradycardia and hypotension. Dynorphin and naloxone, by virtue of their opioid agonistic and antagonistic actions, respectively, potentiate and attenuate these fatal complications secondary to myocardial ischaemia. This suggests that EOPs play an important part in ischaemic heart disease.

Beneficial effects of the opiate antagonist naloxone on hemodynamics and ventricular function following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in the dog

It has been shown that endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) subserve important roles in cardiovascular regulation and are involved in the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia, contributing to the deleterious effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the opiate antagonist naloxone on the hemodynamics and ventricular function following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in the dog, utilizing the technique of cardiac catheterization. During myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, it was found that in the control group, there was reduction in the aortic, left ventricular, right atrial, pulmonary arterial and wedge pressures, and in the left ventricular dP/dt. The reduction in the aortic, left ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressures, and left ventricular dP/dt were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone. The results indicate a regulatory role of EOP in the cardiovascular function and suggest a possible involvement of EOP in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion causing detrimental effects such as arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension and, as shown in this study, impaired hemodynamics and ventricular function. The beneficial effects of naloxone on circulatory dynamics may have clinical implications in the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart disease.

In vitro IgE production by interleukin 4-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells is suppressed by rapamycin

Rapamycin (RAPA) is a new immunosuppressant which is 50-fold to 100-fold more potent than cyclosporin A (CyA) in inhibiting cellular immune responses and allograft rejection in animal models of organ transplantation. The drug's effect on in vitro IgE synthesis by interleukin (IL)4-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was examined and compared with CyA's effect in this study. RAPA was found to be about 100-fold more potent than CyA in inhibiting IgE synthesis. Its inhibitory effect on IgE production was significant if it was added to the culture before Day 6 of a 14-day culture. The suppression was accompanied by the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and on IgE-binding factor (IgE-BF) production. IL2 was able to partially reverse CyA- but not RAPA-induced inhibition of IgE production. Commercial B cell growth factor (cBCGF) was not able to reverse either RAPA- or CyA-induced suppression of IgE synthesis. The strong inhibitory effect of RAPA in IgE synthesis may be useful in certain clinical applications where overproduction of pathogenic IgE is a key issue. RAPA can also be used as a tool to dissect the regulation of IgE production.

Cis-active determinants of cardiac-specific expression in the human atrial natriuretic peptide gene

Expression of the human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP)gene is controlled by a series of positive and negative cis-acting regulatory elements present in the 5' flanking sequences (5'FS) of the gene. Positive elements located between -1150 and -222, relative to the transcription start site, appear to be responsible for the major portion of ANP gene expression in neonatal rat cardiac atrial cells. While neonatal ventricular cardiocytes, at a qualitative level, seem to employ regulatory signals similar to their atrial counterparts, they do so with reduced efficiency. Expression of the hANP gene in nonmyocardial cells is limited by the presence of silencer elements in the distal (-2593 to -1150) and proximal (-222 to the CAP site) 5'FS. Further characterization of a 64-base pair cardiac-specific element (-410 to -332), described previously, revealed that a core sequence of 40 base pairs is required for functional activity. This core sequence includes a previously defined DNAse-I footprint region flanked by two GC-rich segments arranged in an inverted repeat-like array. These findings suggest that the disparity in atrial vs. ventricular cardiocyte expression of the ANP gene reflects differences that are largely quantitative in nature, while differences in myocardial vs. nonmyocardial cells result from fundamental qualitative differences in the way these cells recognize and use the regulatory elements present within the 5'FS.

1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 inhibits the CD23 gene expression by human peripheral blood monocytes

A biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, and a leukocyte surface molecule, CD23, play important roles in immune regulation. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the CD23 gene expression was examined in this study. The results show that 1,25(OH)2D3 suppresses spontaneous and IL-4-stimulated CD23 synthesis by peripheral blood monocytes. The inhibition occurs at both the protein and mRNA levels. However, 1,25(OH)2D3 has no inhibitory effect on CD23 production by either resting or activated tonsillar B cells. Our results suggest a possible role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the regulation of certain immune and inflammatory responses via its effect on CD23 production.

1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 inhibits the CD23 gene expression by human peripheral blood monocytes

A biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, and a leukocyte surface molecule, CD23, play important roles in immune regulation. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the CD23 gene expression was examined in this study. The results show that 1,25(OH)2D3 suppresses spontaneous and IL-4-stimulated CD23 synthesis by peripheral blood monocytes. The inhibition occurs at both the protein and mRNA levels. However, 1,25(OH)2D3 has no inhibitory effect on CD23 production by either resting or activated tonsillar B cells. Our results suggest a possible role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the regulation of certain immune and inflammatory responses via its effect on CD23 production.

Extracellular calcium regulates expression of the gene for atrial natriuretic factor

Primary cultures of neonatal rat cardiocytes were exposed for 24 hours to culture media containing 0-2.0 mM extracellular calcium. Both atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) messenger RNA (mRNA) and ANF secretion were increased approximately threefold in the presence of 2.0 mM CaCl2 (vs. Ca2(+)-free medium). When cardiocytes were treated with the calcium channel blockers diltiazem, nifedipine, or verapamil, both ANF synthesis and secretion fell to 25-40% of control values. The choice of transcription start site on the ANF gene was not altered by the calcium channel blockers. When exogenous calcium was added to cardiocytes treated with verapamil, secretion of ANF was partially restored to control levels. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of medium from cardiocytes exposed to varying extracellular calcium concentrations or treated with calcium channel blockers for 24 hours revealed that the majority of secreted immunoreactivity (60-70%) migrated with pro-ANF (17 kDa) and that none of the various experimental manipulations significantly changed the ratio of pro-ANF to ANF in the media. These results were confirmed by immunoprecipitation analysis of the culture medium from the individual treatment groups. Treatment of cardiocytes for 24 hours with either the calcium ionophore A23187 or the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate increased ANF secretion. The combined use of these agents resulted in stimulation of both ANF secretion and ANF mRNA accumulation.

[The incidence of multi-organ involvement in urothelial malignancies]

Attention has long been drawn on the multi-organ involvement of urothelial malignancies both by urologists and pathologists. Urothelial malignancies did occur occasionally in several urinary organs within the same patient. From 1951 to 1986, 12,553 patients were admitted to our urological department, among them 1,213 had urothelial tumors. There were renal pelvic tumors in 130, ureteral in 93, bladder in 925 and urethral in 65. We measured any single individual of the paired-organ, the pelvis or ureter as a single organ. Thus, of the total 1,213 tumors 113 were found to have multi-organ involvement. Long term follow-up rate was 93.6%. In the present study, we noted that the malignant appearance of urothelium involving in multi-organ has generally been with a trend toward urinary flow. i.e. from the proximal to the distal site of urinary tract. One hundred and four patients (92%) had tumors developed the urinary flow direction while only 9 patients (8%) were of refluent direction. Renal pelvis, ureter and urethra showed to be at high preference of multi-organ involvement, accounting for 53.8%, 58.1% and 46.2% respectively, whereas bladder tumor only showing 10.5%, predominated in single organ involvement.

Perinatal expression of the atrial natriuretic factor gene in rat cardiac tissue

The expression of the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) gene was examined in the perinatal rat ventricle. The late fetal ventricle (day -3 relative to parturition) demonstrated a modest level of ANF gene expression. This expression increased at the time of birth and peaked on day +1 after birth. Atrial ANF immunoreactivity (irANF) increased gradually during the postpartum period (day +1 to 2-3 wk of age), while ventricular irANF as well as ventricular ANF mRNA levels fell over the same interval. This decrease in ANF gene expression resulted from a decrease in activity of the same major transcription start site employed in the adult atria and ventricle. Plasma irANF levels were very high in the neonatal period and decreased over the ensuing 2-3 wk, a profile similar to that seen for ventricular ANF gene expression. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that, while adult rat ventricular ANF mRNA was predominantly confined to the subendocardial layer, neonatal ventricles expressed the ANF gene throughout approximately 50% of the inner wall thickness. These findings suggest that the ANF gene is responding to regulatory stimuli that appear at or near the time of parturition and dissipate in the early neonatal period.

Upstream sequences confer atrial-specific expression on the human atrial natriuretic factor gene

5'-Flanking sequences from the human atrial natriuretic factor (hANF) gene were subcloned into a reporter plasmid (pSVOCAT) and transfected into primary cultures of neonatal rat atrial cardiocytes. Hybrid hANFCAT genes containing either 2500 or 409 base pairs of 5'-flanking sequence DNA were expressed at similar levels. When sequences between -409 and -332 were deleted, reporter gene (CAT) activity decreased significantly. Expression of the hANFCAT constructs was specific for atrial cells, as no expression was detected in primary cultures of ventricular cardiocytes or nonmyocardial cells derived from the neonatal hearts. Correct transcription start sites for the transfected hANF genes were confirmed by S1 nuclease mapping and RNase protection analysis. A "gel shift" assay was used to identify a specific cardiac nuclear protein which bound to the 5'-flanking sequence of the hANF gene. A 192-base pair PvuII fragment (-400 to -208) associated with a protein in these extracts in a tissue- and sequence-specific fashion. These findings indicate that the DNA sequence between -409 and -332 in the hANF gene harbors a tissue-specific element whose activity may involve association with a cardiac-specific nuclear protein.