Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α cells in mouse urinary bladder: a new class of interstitial cells

Specific classes of interstitial cells exist in visceral organs and have been implicated in several physiological functions including pacemaking and mediators in neurotransmission. In the bladder, Kit(+) interstitial cells have been reported to exist and have been suggested to be neuromodulators. More recently a second interstitial cell, which is identified using antibodies against platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFR-α) has been described in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and has been implicated in enteric motor neurotransmission. In this study, we examined the distribution of PDGFR-α(+) cells in the murine urinary bladder and the relation that these cells may have with nerve fibres and smooth muscle cells. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α(+) cells had a spindle shape or stellate morphology and often possessed multiple processes that contacted one another forming a loose network. These cells were distributed throughout the bladder wall, being present in the lamina propria as well as throughout the muscularis of the detrusor. These cells surrounded and were located between smooth muscle bundles and often came into close morphological association with intramural nerve fibres. These data describe a new class of interstitial cells that express a specific receptor within the bladder wall and provide morphological evidence for a possible neuromodulatory role in bladder function.     

Prednisolone and prednisone neo-formation in bovine urine after sampling

The rise in the frequency of detecting prednisolone in bovine urine from northern Italy has come into focus of attention in recent years. The possibility that neo-formation of prednisolone or that prednisone may occur in urine after collection of samples was therefore investigated. Cow urine collected for official routine controls in Lombardy containing more than 80 ng/ml cortisol, and prednisolone and prednisone below the decision limit (CCα) of the method (0.4 and 0.5 ng/ml, respectively) was used. The C1-2 dehydrogenation of naturally present cortisol and cortisone was checked by incubating urine, both contaminated and uncontaminated with faeces, at 37°C and by collecting samples at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 h. The influence of Helix pomatia juice was also investigated in order to determine whether deconjugation could influence the reliability of the results. All samples were analysed by HPLC-MS3 for the presence of cortisol, cortisone, prednisolone and prednisone in negative electrospray ionisation mode, utilising the consecutive reaction monitoring of product ions derived from the formate molecular adduct ([M+HCOO]-). The observed neo-formation of prednisolone shows that inappropriate temperatures in sample storage and processing can result in an incorrect accusation of non-compliance. The faecal contamination of urine, performed with the aim to mimic a collection conducted without the necessary care, moreover, evoked a high increase in prednisolone concentration in two out of seven animals. Moreover, H. pomatia juice had no significant effect on the prednisolone concentration, indicating that this corticosteroid is present in its free form in cow urine.     

Parameters of haematology, clinical chemistry and lipid metabolism in the common marmoset and alterations under stress conditions

Common marmosets are suitable non-human primate models for many human diseases. Standard values for blood parameters are required to evaluate physiological and pathological situations. Two studies were conducted: study I to determine standard values and study II to examine these under changed housing conditions. In study I, all parameters for clinical chemistry were similar in range for both genders with these specifics: male marmosets had significantly higher total and LDL cholesterol levels than females, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin were significantly lower than in females. In study II, glucose, lymphocytes and salivary cortisol were significantly lower, and faecal cortisol was increased during the change of housing conditions. In conclusion, standard values for haematology and clinical chemistry for the common marmoset were determined. Further on, parameters that are influenced by relocation stress and its importance for experimental results are described.     

A novel de novo deletion of chromosome 7 [46,XX,del(7)(p14.2 p15.1)] in a child with feeding problems

The phenotype and severity of symptoms associated with deletions on chromosome 7 are directly proportional to the size of the deleted segment. Distal and interstitial deletions have been described in 40 cases. In this report the authors aim to report a child with a novel de novo interstitial deletion on chromosome 7, with the following karyotype: 46,XX,del(7)(p14.2 p15.1). We described a female, born at 38 weeks with intrauterine growth restriction and feeding problems with episodes of cyanosis after feedings and failure to thrive. Physical examination showed low implantation of ears, hypertelorism, oblique palpebral fissures, retrognathia, and palate ogived, with insertion anomalies of the toes, poor facial expression and mild axial hypotonia. Transfontanelar ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, bronchofibroscopy and metabolic studies were normal. She was hospitalized until the 32nd day of life. She started speech therapy and presented improvements in swallowing. The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was removed at 36 months. She had recurrent urinary tract infection with normal dimercaptosuccinic acid but with a vesicoureteral reflux (grade III). Imagiological studies revealed a bilateral osteonecrosis of femoral epiphysis (Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease). Currently (6years-old), she is being normally fed (body mass index=15.8kg/m(2)). Her weight is 16.4kg (3rd centile) and length is 105cm (3rd to 5th centiles). She has a mild delay of psychomotor development impairment and some speech problems. This is the first case report of a patient with this de novo small interstitial deletion on chromosome 7. This rare chromosomal abnormality was associated with severe feeding problems in the first years of life.     

Housing with Females Increases Testosterone and Cortisol Levels in Captive Groups of Black-Handed Spider Monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)

The black‐handed spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) is a seasonal reproducer that requires a seclusiveness to copulate and has a fusion–fission social system. These features impose important restrictions to achieve reproduction of captive animals. We investigated if group composition in captive spider monkeys has any endocrine effects. We compared testosterone and cortisol concentrations during the mating season in all‐male and multifemale–multimale groups to study if the former condition impairs reproductive potential and increases stress. Concentrations of testosterone and cortisol of males living with females were higher than those of all‐male groups. In the multifemale–multimale condition, dominant males had the highest levels of testosterone, while the youngest males showed the highest concentrations of cortisol. Results show that males adjust well to isosexual grouping, this being an appropriate condition to keep animals when controlled reproduction is sought. Zoo Biol 31:490;–497, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

小鼠基质重塑相关7（MXRA7）基因产物在肝脏内互作蛋白质的鉴定

基质重塑相关7（matrix remodeling associated 7,MXRA7）基因于2002年被命名,但无论在人类或其他动物体系,该基因或其蛋白质产物的功能均未知。直至我们最近的研究表明,该基因可能参与眼睛发育或肝损伤及修复。在本研究中,应用酵母双杂交策略,用小鼠MXRA7诱饵载体对小鼠肝cDNA文库进行筛选,发现23种蛋白质（MUP1, Cpt1a, Mat1a, aldh1l1, Cytb, H2-K1, Psmb1, marc2, Atp5j2, Sec24D, Trf, Rdh7, Apoe, Glud1, Gmfb, Alb, Hdlbp, Pzp, Etnk2, Nrn1, Serpina1a, Apoa2, GNMT）可能直接或间接地与MXRA7蛋白发生相互作用。其中,主要尿蛋白1（major urinary protein,MUP1）或其同家族蛋白质占所有候选克隆的1/6,提示其很可能是小鼠肝内与MXRA7蛋白有较强相互作用的蛋白质。通过基因重组在Hepa 1-6肝癌细胞系中同时过表达MXRA7和MUP1蛋白,荧光染色证明这两种蛋白质在细胞内共定位,应用抗MXRA7或MUP1的抗体进行Pull-down检测,则证明二者共同存在于细胞裂解液中。另外,重组MXRA7蛋白和MUP1蛋白在无任何其他蛋白质的缓冲液体系中直接形成复合体。因此,至少在小鼠肝组织体系中,MXRA7蛋白可能通过与MUP1等蛋白质的相互作用而发挥作用。     

Cognitive costs of reproduction: life‐history trade‐offs explain cognitive decline during pregnancy in women

Life‐history theory predicts that access to limited resources leads to trade‐offs between competing body functions. Women, who face higher costs of reproduction when compared to men, should be especially vulnerable to these trade‐offs. We propose the ‘cognitive costs of reproduction hypothesis’, which states that energy trade‐offs imposed by reproduction may lead to a decline in maternal cognitive function during gestation. In particular, we hypothesize that the decline in cognitive function frequently observed during pregnancy is associated with the allocation of resources between the competing energetic requirements of the mother's brain and the developing foetus. Several distinctive anatomical and physiological features including a high metabolic rate of the brain, large infant size, specific anatomical features of the placenta and trophoblast, and the lack of maternal control over glucose flow through the placenta make the occurrence of these trade‐offs likely. Herein, we review several lines of evidence for trade‐offs between gestation and cognition that are related to: (i) energy metabolism during reproduction; (ii) energy metabolism of the human brain; (iii) links between energy metabolism and cognitive function; and (iv) links between gestation and cognitive function. We also review evidence for the important roles of cortisol, corticotropin‐releasing hormone and sex hormones in mediating the effects of gestation on cognition, and we discuss possible neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects. The evidence supports the view that energy trade‐offs between foetal growth and maternal endocrine and brain function lead to changes in maternal cognition, and that this phenomenon is mediated by neuroendocrine mechanisms involving the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, brainstem nucleus locus coeruleus and hippocampus.     

后腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术对上尿路结石患者炎性因子及肾功能的影响

目的:探讨后腹腔镜输尿管切开取石术(RLU)对上尿路结石患者炎性因子及肾功能的影响。方法:选取2016年1月～2018年11月期间海南省第三人民医院泌尿外科收治的上尿路结石患者89例为研究对象,根据手术方式的不同将患者分为RLU组(n=44)和经输尿管镜取石术(URL)组(n=45),比较两组患者手术成功率、结石取净率、炎性因子指标[白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、内皮素-1(ET-1)、C反应蛋白(CRP)]、肾功能指标[血尿素氮(BUN)、血肌酐(Scr)、明胶酶相关脂质运载蛋白(NGAL)]及术后并发症。结果:RLU组患者手术成功率、结石取净率均高于URL组(P0.05)。两组患者术后1d IL-6、TNF-α、ET-1以及CRP水平均较术前升高,但RLU组低于URL组(P0.05)。两组患者术后1d BUN、Scr水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),两组患者术后1d NGAL水平较术前升高,但RLU组低于URL组(P0.05)。RLU组术后并发症发生率低于URL组(P0.05)。结论:RLU对上尿路结石患者的炎症刺激和肾功能影响更小,且可有效提升手术成功率、结石取净率,降低并发症发生率,有利于患者术后恢复。     

微通道与标准通道经皮肾镜碎石术对上尿路结石患者肾功能及机体氧化应激反应的影响

目的:探讨微通道与标准通道经皮肾镜碎石术(PCNL)对上尿路结石患者肾功能及机体氧化应激反应的影响。方法:选取2017年3月到2018年9月在成都医学院第一附属医院接受治疗的上尿路结石患者106例,根据随机数字表法将患者分为微通道组与标准通道组各53例,其中微通道组采用微通道PCNL进行治疗,标准通道组采用标准通道PCNL进行治疗。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、一次性结石清除率、住院时间、手术感染率。比较两组患者术前、术后1d、术后3d的血尿素氮(BUN)、血肌酐(SCr)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)、皮质醇(Cor)、肾上腺素(AD)和去甲肾上腺素(NE)。结果:微通道组的手术时间长于标准通道组,术中出血量少于标准通道组(P0.05)。两组患者各个时间点的BUN、SCr水平比较无统计学差异(P0.05),两组患者术后1d的BUN、SCr水平高于术前(P0.05)。两组患者术后1d、术后3d的CRP、TNF-α、IL-6水平较术前明显升高(P0.05);微通道组术后3d的CRP、TNF-α、IL-6水平低于标准通道组(P0.05)。两组患者术后1d、术后3d的Cor、AD、NE水平较术前明显升高(P0.05);微通道组术后1d、术后3d的Cor、AD、NE水平低于标准通道组(P0.05)。结论:微通道PCNL与标准通道PCNL治疗上尿路结石患者具有较好的疗效,但微通道PCNL术中出血量更少,且患者的炎症反应和氧化应激程度更轻。     

Performance of ad libitum fed dairy calves weaned using fixed and individual methods

The increasing availability of automated milk dispensers on dairy farms facilitates ad libitum milk supply but weaning calves from high milk allowances is challenging. This study evaluated effects of gradual weaning methods on starter intake, growth, selected blood parameters and weaning distress in ad libitum fed dairy calves during weaning and early post-weaning periods. Thirty-six male Holstein (n = 30) or crossbred (n = 6) calves were individually housed from days 2 to 14 of age and had ad libitum access to milk replacer (MR) from teat buckets. From days 15 to 84 of age, calves were grouped and had ad libitum access to MR, starter, straw and water from automated feeders. At day 35, calves were blocked (age and breed), and randomly assigned to a weaning method: (1) linear fixed (LIN), MR supply was stepped down to 6 l/day on day 36, and linearly reduced between days 36 to 63 from 6 to 2 l/day. (2) Step-down (STEP), MR supply was stepped down to 6 l/day from days 36 to 48, 4 l/day from days 49 to 56 and 2 l/day from days 57 to 63. (3) Dynamic (DYN), at day 36, MR supply was reduced for each individual calf to 75% of the average voluntary consumption between day 29 and 35, then maintained for 9 days, reduced to 50% for 10 days, and to 25% for 9 days. The DYN calves received more MR during weaning than LIN calves, whereas STEP calves had intermediate MR intake. Starter intake was not affected by weaning method. The DYN calves (1.33±0.08 kg/day) grew faster and were heavier than STEP calves (1.10±0.08 kg/day) during post-weaning period, whereas no difference was observed between LIN calves (1.23±0.08 kg/day) and others. At days 70 and 84, concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid were higher in LIN calves compared to STEP and DYN calves. Hair cortisol concentrations were not affected by weaning method. During the gradual weaning process CP intake seemed to recovered earlier than metabolizable energy (ME) intake in all treatments, suggesting that ME rather than CP could be the first limiting factor for growth during weaning. These results highlight the post-weaning benefits of DYN and LIN weaning methods when compared with more abrupt step-down strategies.