[Thinking and strategy selection on the quality control of early gastric cancer]

With the developing technique of the diagnosis and treatment of early gastric cancer, the quality of early gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment is coming into focus, and is crucial to improve the overall management of gastric cancer. It is necessary to establish a quality control system to ensure the quality of diagnosis and treatment for EGC. Based on the summary of the diagnosis and treatment status and technological progress of early gastric cancer, this paper proposes the quality control strategy, content and plan for the diagnosis and treatment process of EGC from the aspects of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment, clinical diagnosis technology, endoscopic and surgical treatment, pathological diagnosis and follow-up, with a view to expound the rationality, standardization and quality guarantee of the diagnosis and treatment process for early gastric cancer.

[Influence of postoperative complications on prognosis of gastric cancer-The manifestation of gastric surgeon's skill, responsibility and empathy]

Radical gastrectomy combined with perioperative comprehensive treatment is the main curable strategy for gastric cancer patients, and postoperative complications are the issue that gastric surgeons have to face. Complications not only affect the short-term postoperative recovery, but also facilitate tumor recurrence or metastasis, thus resulting in poor prognosis. Therefore, unifying the diagnostic criteria for postoperative complications, bringing the surgeons' attention to complications, and understanding the potential mechanism of complications undermining long-term survival, will be helpful to the future improvement of the clinical diagnosis and treatment as well as prognosis for gastric cancer patients in China. Meanwhile, surgeons should constantly hone their operative skills, improve their sense of responsibility and empathy, and administer individualized perioperative management based on patients' general conditions, so as to minimize the occurrence of postoperative complications and their influence on prognosis.

[The analysis of health effects of exposure to occupational hazards on works in gypsum mining enterprise]

Objective: To investigate the health of gypsum miners in Hubei province and analyze the health effects of occupational disease hazards exposure on gypsum miners. Methods: In April 2017, occupational disease hazard factors were tested on the site of a gypsum mine, and 500 workers were selected by random sampling to conduct questionnaires, relevant data such as occupational health examination was collected, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: The main occupational hazards of gypsum miners were gypsum dust and noise. The time-weighted average concentration of 8 h in the workplace was 4.32 to 9.34 mg/m(3), and the post pass rate was 69.2% (9/13) ; Respiratory dust 0.13-5.15 mg/m(3), post pass rate 75.0% (3/4). Gypsum miners had finger dysfunction and muscle numbness, joint pain (29.2%, 88/301) and chest pain and breathing difficulties (17.6%, 53/301). Followed by tinnitus, auricle pus, running water (4.7%, 14/301), abnormal muscle tension (2.7%, 8/301). The exposure of occupational disease hazards was associated with respiratory, auditory and neurological symptoms of gypsum miners. Conclusion: The long-term exposure of gypsum workers to gypsum dust, noise and other harmful factors may result in obvious symptoms of respiratory system and other health damage.

[Nested case-control study on risk factors of postoperative hyperactive-type delirium in geriatric orthopedic patients]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors of postoperative hyperactive-type delirium(PHTD) in geriatric orthopedic patients using nested case-control study. Methods: Seventy-four patients who underwent orthopedic surgeries in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2008 to December 2013, aged 65 or above, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status Ⅰ-Ⅳ, with complete medical records and confirmed diagnosis of PHTD were selected as case group. A control group of 444 patients, on the basis of 1∶6 versus nested case group, from the same cohort but without PHTD was established. Data patterns such as patient age, gender, ASA classification, status of preoperative/postoperative electrolytes, preoperative blood glucose, preoperative/postoperative plasma albumin and preoperative/postoperative hematocrit(Hct), uses of non-steroidal analgesics, anticholinergic drugs and benzodiazepines drugs, type of anesthesia, anesthesia duration, difference in postoperative analgesia were collected and analyzed. Results: Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, ASA grade, preoperative electrolytes, anesthesia duration, operative duration, intraoperative hypotension and the difference of postoperative analgesia were risk factors for PHTD. Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that gender (OR=2.562, 95%CI: 1.438-4.564, P=0.001), age (OR=3.929, 95%CI: 1.788-8.633, P=0.001), preoperative electrolytes(OR=3.714, 95%CI: 2.068-6.670, P<0.001)were the independent risk factors for PHTD. Conclusion: Male, elderly patients and abnormalities of preoperative electrolyte are the independent risk factors for PHTD in geriatric orthopedic patients.

Rationally designing S/Ti3C2Tx as a cathode material with an interlayer for high-rate and long-cycle lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries suffer from poor cycling stability and inferior rate capability, mainly caused by low conductivity and lithium polysulfide dissolution. To tackle these problems, this work demonstrates that Ti3C2Tx "clay", synthesized by selectively extracting the Al layers from the Ti3AlC2 phases with a mixture of HCl and LiF, is an effective host material for sulfur cathodes. To further enhance the rate performance and cycling stability of S/Ti3C2Tx composites, a single-walled carbon nanotube thin film was prepared by a simple vacuum filtration method and inserted between the cathode and the separator as an interlayer for Li-S batteries. The S/Ti3C2Tx composite with an interlayer could deliver a high initial discharge capacity of 1458 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and an ultralow capacity decay of 0.04% per cycle at 0.8 A g-1 for over 1500 cycles was achieved. More importantly, a reversible capacity of 608 mA h g-1 was obtained at a high current density of 8.2 A g-1 (≈5C), demonstrating superior rate capability. These results suggest that the S/Ti3C2Tx composite is a promising sulfur cathode material and the introduction of the interlayer will pave the way for the future development and design of high-rate with long-cycle Li-S batteries.

Preparation of N-doped activated carbons with high CO2 capture performance from microalgae (Chlorococcum sp.)

N-Doped activated carbons with high CO₂ adsorption capacity have been prepared from sugar-rich microalgae (Chlorococcum sp.) feedstock via simple hydrothermal carbonization coupled with KOH activation or NH₃ modification.

Resistance of Castanea mollissima Shuhe-WYL strain to Dryocosmus kuriphilus and its molecular mechanism

The resistance of Castanea mollissima Shuhe-WYL strain to Dryocosmus kuriphilus and its molecular mechanism were examined. The larvae of D. kuriphilus were inoculated on the Shuhe-WYL and Qingzha strains, and mortality was observed and compared; the relative mRNA content of the OsCDPK2, receptor-like protein, OsNAC6 protein, KH domain protein, RNA-binding protein, and the bHLH genes was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and then compared between the Shuhe-WYL and Qingzha strains. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase content was detected by western blotting and compared between the inoculated Shuhe-WYL, non-inoculated Shuhe-WYL, and inoculated Qingzha strains. The mortalities of larvae inoculated on the bud, bracteal leaf, and cardiac lobe were lower in Shuhe-WYL than Qingzha at 48 and 96 h after inoculation; the contents of OsCDPK2, receptor-like protein, OsNAC6 protein, and bHLH in the cardiac lobe were higher in Shuhe-WYL than in Qingzha at 96 h after inoculation, but KH domain protein and RNA-binding protein were not significantly different. The content of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the cardiac lobe was higher in inoculated and non-inoculated Shuhe-WYL compared to inoculated Qingzha at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days, and higher in inoculated Shuhe-WYL than in non-inoculated Shuhe-WYL at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. The content of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the cardiac lobe of inoculated Shuhe-WYL had no significant difference between at 60 and at 45 days; and was higher at 60 and 45 days than at 30 and 15 days; and was higher at 30 days than at 15 days (60≈45˃30˃15 days). The C. mollissima Shuhe-WYL strain was resistant to D. kuriphilus; high expression of OsCDPK2, receptor-like protein, OsNAC6 protein, and bHLH and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase may explain the mechanism.

Influence of plasma exchange on transplantation related immune function in patients with liver failure

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of plasma exchange (PE) treatment of patients with liver failure on the patient's immune function, including peripheral blood T lymphocytes and cytokines. Patients accepting PE for liver failure from October 2011 to February 2012 were included prospectively in the research group. Peripheral blood samples were collected at set time points. The percentages of T lymphocyte subtypes were detected by flow cytometry using different fluorescence labels including CD3-FITC, CD4-PerCP, CD8-PE, CD25-FITC, and Foxp3-PE. Changes in serum IL-17 concentration were followed by ELISA. In all fifteen patients who accepted PE, the percentages of CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells increased immediately after the procedure and then reduced gradually. These significant changes were confirmed by statistical analysis (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD4(+) T cells also increased after PE to a certain extent, but failed to show statistical significance. The positive ratio of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells (Treg) increased after the treatment with statistical difference (P < 0.05). The concentration of IL-17 in patient serum increased significantly following PE treatment (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that T lymphocyte subgroups of patients with liver failure could be influenced after PE treatment, and that cellular immunity could be recovered. PE treatment, therefore, can be viewed as providing reliable protection for the reconstruction of the patient immune system.

Research of the Dispersity of the Functional Sericite/Methylphenyl- Silicone Resin

In order to improve the homogeneity and dispersity of the sericite in methylphenyl-silicone resin, the agglomerate state of the sericites was controlled effectively. The dispersive model of the sericite in methylphenyl-silicone resin was designed also. First, the modified sericite was prepared using hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide as the intercalating agent. Then, functional sericite was incorporated into methylphenyl-silicone by terminal hydroxyl. The structure and dispersive performance of the hybrid polymers was charactered by analytical instruments. Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscope, Laser scanning confocal microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that functional sericite was dispersed homogeneously in methylphenyl-silicone resin matrix. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the absorption peaks of the Si-OH band of methylphenyl-silicone resin were decreased and the Si-O-Si band was increased. This change evidently showed a significant role to enhance the reaction degree of the functional sericite in methylphenyl-silicone resin.

Protective effect of proanthocyanidin against oxidative ovarian damage induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in mice

Oxidative stress, which poses a threat to reproductive health, causes many serious female reproductive diseases. In this study, we investigated whether proanthocyanidins (PC) have a protective effect against oxidative stress-induced ovarian damage. Forty female ICR mice were randomized into 4 groups: a control group, a control plus PC group, a 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) group, and a 3-NPA plus PC group. An ovarian oxidative stress model induced by 3-NPA was constructed using female ICR mice. After the animals were sacrificed, their ovaries were collected to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the mRNA expression levels of relevant granulosa cell apoptosis genes (Bcl-2, Bax, Bim, FasL, and caspase-3). We also conducted a histological evaluation of granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia. The results showed that compared to the 3-NPA group, ROS levels and activities of T-SOD and CAT in the 3-NPA plus PC group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax in the 3-NPA plus PC group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). mRNA expression levels of Bim, FasL, and caspase-3 in the 3-NPA plus PC group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the percentage of atretic follicles and granulosa cell apoptosis in the 3-NPA plus PC group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Collectively, these data indicate that PC has significant protective effects against damage induced by oxidative stress in mouse ovaries. The mechanisms of protection may be related to antioxidation and apoptosis reduction.

De novo DNA methylation of the paternal genome in 2-cell mouse embryos

The developmental dynamics of DNA methylation events have been well studied. Active demethylation of the paternal genome occurs in the zygote, passive demethylation occurs during cleavage stages, and de novo methylation occurs by the blastocyst stage. It is believed that the paternal genome has lower levels of methylation during early development than the maternal genome. However, in this study, we provide direct and indirect evidence of genome-wide de novo DNA methylation of the paternal genome after the first cell cycle in mouse embryos. Although very little methylation was detected within the male pronucleus in zygotes, an intense methylation signal was clearly visible within the androgenetic 2-cell embryos. Moreover, the DNA methylation level of the paternal genome in the post-zygotic metaphase embryos was similar to that of the maternal genome. Using indirect immunofluorescence with an antibody to methylated lysine 9 in histone H3, we provided new evidence to support the concept of spatial compartmentalization of parental genomes in 2-cell mouse embryos. Nevertheless, the transient segregation of parental genomes was not observed by determining the DNA methylation distribution in the 2-cell embryos even though DNA methylation asymmetry between the maternal and paternal pronucleus existed in the 1-cell stage. The disappearance of separate immunofluorescence signals of 5-methyl cytosine in the 2-cell embryos might be attributed to the de novo methylation of the paternal genome during the first mitotic cycle.

Rescue from dominant follicle atresia by follicle-stimulating hormone in mice

We investigated the effects of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on atresia of the dominant follicle and changes in relevant apoptosis genes in granulosa cells of dominant follicles regulated by FSH in vivo. Four-week-old mice were administered FSH by intraperitoneal injection to induce follicular maturation. Granulosa cells of dominant follicles were collected at 48, 72, and 96 h after the first FSH injection. Phosphate-buffered saline was injected as a control. The mRNA levels of relevant granulosa cell apoptosis genes were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and apoptosis of granulosa cells in dominant ovarian follicles was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis in granulosa cells of dominant follicles was almost TUNEL-negative at 48, 72-66, 72, and 96-90 h after the first FSH injection, but granulosa cell apoptosis in dominant follicles was clearly detected at 96, 102, and 102-96 h by TUNEL. The BIM, caspase-3, and caspase-9 mRNA expression levels were significantly lower after FSH treatment at 72-66 and 96-90 h, compared with that at 72 and 96 h (P < 0.05). Caspase-8 and FasL mRNA expressions did not respond to FSH. FSH rescued granulosa cells from apoptosis when the relevant apoptosis genes were upregulated in early atretic follicles. FSH did not rescue granulosa cells from apoptosis if the DNA was cut into fragments by endonucleases. Thus, the rescue by FSH of granulosa cells from apoptosis and dominant follicle atresia may be accomplished by inhibition of apoptosis in mitochondria.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Genetically Modified with the Angiopoietin-1 Gene Enhanced Arteriogenesis in a Porcine Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischaemia

The direct injection by thoracoscope of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that had been genetically modified to express angiopoietin-1 was investigated in a porcine model to determine their effect on arteriogenesis and the effectiveness of this technique. Chronic myocardial ischaemia was established using a thoracoscope to insert an ameroid constrictor around the left circumflex coronary artery. Six weeks after establishing the ischaemia, 20 pigs were randomly divided into three groups to receive injections by thoracoscope of either genetically-modified MSCs, unmodified MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline into the ischaemic border area. The injections were repeated 1 month later. The genetically modified MSCs were found to restore blood flow significantly more than the other observed treatments and immunohistochemical evaluation of arteriogenesis supported this finding. In conclusion, the injection of MSCs that had been genetically modified to express angiopoietin-1 improved arteriogenesis and increased collateral blood flow in the myocardial ischaemic area. Thoracoscope delivery of the injection was safe and minimally invasive.

Six3 promotes the formation of ectopic optic vesicle-like structures in mouse embryos

A few years ago, three novel murine homeobox genes closely related to the Drosophila sine oculis (so) gene (Six1-3) were isolated and were all included in the Six/so gene family. Because of its early expression in the developing eye field, Six3 was initially thought to be the functional ortholog of the Drosophila so gene. This hypothesis was further supported by the demonstration that ectopic Six3 expression in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) promotes the formation of ectopic lens and retina tissue. Here, we show that similar to Drosophila, where the eyeless/Pax6 gene regulates the eye-specific expression of so, Six3 expression in the murine lens placodal ectoderm is also controlled by Pax6. We also show that ectopic Six3 expression promotes the formation of ectopic optic vesicle-like structures in the hindbrain-midbrain region of developing mouse embryos.

Ligand binding directly stimulates ubiquitination of the inositol 1, 4,5-trisphosphate receptor

Down-regulation of the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor is an adaptive response to the activation of certain phosphoinositidase C-linked cell-surface receptors. It is manifested as a profound decline in cellular Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor content, occurs with a half-time of 0.5-2 h and is due to accelerated proteolysis. It has been shown that this process is mediated by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway and is therefore initiated by Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor ubiquitination. To investigate the role of ligand binding in Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor ubiquitination, we expressed 'exogenous' wild-type and ligand-binding-defective mutant type I Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, in which muscarinic receptor activation elicits Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor down-regulation. We found (1) that exogenous wild-type Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors are efficiently ubiquitinated in response to muscarinic receptor stimulation, (2) that exogenous ligand binding-defective mutant Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors are resistant to ubiquitination, (3) that this resistance is not caused by the removal of potential ubiquitin-conjugating sites in the mutated region, and (4) that in heterotetramers of exogenous mutant receptors and 'endogenous' receptors, only the latter are targeted for ubiquitination. These results indicate that the binding of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) directly stimulates ubiquitination of the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptor and that the targeting of Ins(1,4,5)P(3) receptors for ubiquitination is a highly specific process. We therefore propose that an Ins(1,4, 5)P(3)-binding-induced conformational change in the receptor exposes a degradation signal that leads to ubiquitination.

Retinoic acid teratogenicity: the role of goosecoid and BMP-4

Retinoic acid (RA) plays a pivotal role during vertebrate development, both as morphogen and as potent teratogen. While RA function in axial development has been extensively studied, little is known about the genetic control of RA teratogenicity. The knockout of the homeobox gene goosecoid in the mouse revealed similarities to RA induced embryopathy. We show that RA treatment of mouse gastrula embryos in vitro and of E10.5 embryos in utero led to a rapid but transient down-regulation of goosecoid expression. Repression was dependent on retinoid X receptors (RXR). BMP-4 was repressed by RA-treatment as well, both in embryos and in F9 teratocarcinoma cells. Our data suggest that both goosecoid and BMP-4 function as mediators of RA teratogenicity in mouse embryos.

Down-regulation of types I, II and III inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors is mediated by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway

Activation of certain phosphoinositidase-C-linked cell-surface receptors is known to cause an acceleration of the proteolysis of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] receptors and, thus, lead to Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor down-regulation. In the current study we have sought to determine whether the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway is involved in this adaptive response. The data presented show (i) that activation of phosphoinositidase-C-linked receptors causes Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor ubiquitination in a range of cell types (AR4-2J cells, INS-1 cells and rat cerebellar granule cells), (ii) that the Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor down-regulation induced by activation of these receptors is blocked by proteasome inhibitors, (iii) that all known Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors (types I, II and III) are substrates for ubiquitination, (iv) that ubiquitination occurs while Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors are membrane-bound, (v) that Ins(1,4, 5)P3-receptor ubiquitination and down-regulation are stimulated only by those agonists that elevate Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration persistently, and (vi) that a portion of cellular Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors (those that are not type-I-receptor-associated) can be resistant to ubiquitination and degradation. In total these data indicate that the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway mediates Ins(1,4, 5)P3-receptor down-regulation and suggest that ubiquitination is stimulated by the binding of Ins(1,4,5)P3 to its receptor.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor down-regulation is activated directly by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate binding. Studies with binding-defective mutant receptors

Activation of certain phosphoinositidase C-linked cell surface receptors is known to cause an acceleration of the proteolysis of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors and, thus, lead to InsP3 receptor down-regulation. To gain insight into this process, we examined whether or not InsP3 receptor degradation is a direct consequence of InsP3 binding by analyzing the down-regulation of exogenous wild-type and binding-defective mutant InsP3 receptors expressed in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Stimulation of these cells with carbachol showed that wild-type exogenous receptors could be down-regulated but that the binding-defective mutant exogenous receptors were not. Thus, InsP3 binding appears to mediate down-regulation. To validate this conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of the exogenous receptors was undertaken. This showed that exogenous receptors (i) are localized appropriately within the cell, (ii) enhance InsP3-induced Ca2+ release in permeabilized cells, presumably by increasing the number of InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ channels, (iii) have minimal effects on Ca2+ mobilization and InsP3 formation in intact cells, (iv) form heteromers with endogenous receptors, and (v) do not alter the down-regulation of endogenous receptors. In total, these data show that the introduction of exogenous receptors into SH-SY5Y cells does not compromise intracellular signaling or the down-regulatory process. We can thus conclude that InsP3 binding directly activates InsP3 receptor degradation. Because InsP3 binding induces a conformational change in the InsP3 receptor, these data suggest that this change provides the signal for accelerated proteolysis.

Malformation of trachea and pelvic region in goosecoid mutant mice

The homeobox gene goosecoid is expressed in the Spemann organizer tissue of gastrulating vertebrate embryos, and in the craniofacial region and appendicular skeleton during organogenesis. The goosecoid knockout mutant mouse revealed defects related to the second phase of expression. Here we describe new expression sites in the developing trachea and external genitalia, and in the developing shoulder and hip joint with their associated ligaments and muscles. We show that mutant mice display abnormalities in the forming trachea and appendicular skeleton related to these sites of gene expression. In addition, we discuss evidence for the existence of at least three goosecoid genes in vertebrates, which may account for the lack of a defect of axial patterning in goosecoid mutant mice.

Expression of androgen receptor mRNA during mouse embryogenesis

Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily which acts as a ligand-dependent transcription factor (Beato, M., Herrlich, P., Schütz, 1989. Steroid hormone receptors: many actors in search of a plot. Cell 83, 851-857). It plays a pivotal role in sexual development and reproduction (Wilson, J.D., Griffin, J.E., George, F.W., Leshin, M., 1981. The role of gonadal steroids in sexual differentiation. Rec. Prog. Horm. Res. 37, 1-39; Jost, A., 1990. Hormonal control of the masculinization of the body. In: Baulieu, E.E., Kelly, D.A., (Eds.), Hormones, from Molecules to Disease. Chapman and Hall, New York and London, pp. 439-442.). Mutations in the AR sequence cause a number of physiological disorders, such as partial and complete androgen insensitivity syndromes, that lead to abnormal sexual development (Patterson, M.N., McPhaul, M.J., Hughes, I.A., 1994. Androgen insensitivity syndrome. Ballière's Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 8, 379-404.). There are indications that AR may also have other functions. For example, structural alterations of the AR sequence have been implicated in prostate cancer (Visakorpi, T., Huytinen, E., Koivisto, P., Tanner, M., Keinänen, R., Palmberg, C., Palotie, A., Tammela, T., Isola, J., Kallioniemi, O.-P., 1995. In vivo amplification of the androgen receptor gene and progression of human prostate cancer. Nature Genet. 9, 401-406.) and in the development of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, a neurodegenerative disease (Kennedy, W.R., Alter, M., Sung, J.H., 1968. Progressive proximal spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy of late onset: a sex-linked recessive trait. Neurology 18, 671-680.). Here, we have investigated the spatial and temporal expression of AR during mouse organogenesis by in situ hybridisation. We demonstrate that AR transcripts occur in the developing external genitalia, pituitary, adrenals, kidneys and musculus levator ani, in addition to the known expression sites in the Wolffian ducts and its derivatives and during development of the mammary glands.

Insulin induction of pip 92, CL-6, and novel mRNAs in rat hepatoma cells

Insulin directly affects many aspects of cellular metabolism. An additional, poorly studied effect of insulin is the regulation of multiple genes whose products are important in many cellular functions. Using differential screening techniques, we identified insulin-regulated genes induced in insulin-treated rat H4IIE (H4) hepatoma cells. Two of the mRNAs identified were homologous to the previously characterized mouse pip 92 and rat CL-6 immediate-early genes. The pip 92 clone was initially isolated from mitogen-stimulated mouse Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts, whereas the CL-6 clone was first isolated from regenerating rat liver. In this article, we demonstrated that in rat H4 cells, the transcription rates of both pip 92 and CL-6 are induced by insulin alone. Additionally, we showed that the transcription rates of two other genes, whose sequences are not homologous to any other sequences in gene bank ("novel genes"), were rapidly and transiently induced by insulin. These results demonstrate that insulin regulates the expression of several novel genes with a time-course similar to members of the immediate-early response gene family.

Correlation between loss of middle ear bones and altered goosecoid gene expression in the branchial region following retinoic acid treatment of mouse embryos in vivo

The homeobox gene goosecoid marks the Spemann organizer in vertebrate gastrula embryos, and is expressed in the craniofacial region, body wall and limbs during organogenesis. Mouse mutants of goosecoid displayed a variety of phenotypes related to the expression pattern at mid-embryogenesis. These defects included loss of the tympanic ring and malformation of the malleus, phenotypes which were reminiscent of the teratogenic effects of retinoic acid (RA). Here we investigated the correlation of goosecoid gene expression and RA-teratogenicity following treatment of mouse embryos in vivo at embryonic day (E) 8 + 5 h. We found that goosecoid was specifically affected at E10.5 in branchial arches I and II. Expression was either reduced to background levels or restricted to the branchial cleft region. This change in goosecoid gene expression correlated with a loss of middle ear ossicles and a partial or complete deletion of the tympanic ring, suggesting a role for goosecoid in executing the RA teratogenic effects.