Functional analysis of natriuretic peptide receptors in the bladder of the toad, bufo marinus

This study aimed to localize and characterize natriuretic peptide binding sites in the urinary bladder of Bufo marinus and to then examine the effect of natriuretic peptides on the bladder vascular tone and water reabsorption in isolated perfused bladder preparations. Specific ¹²⁵I-rat atrial natriuretic peptide (¹²⁵I-rANP) binding sites were present on blood vessels, muscle, and epithelium. In tissue sections and/or isolated membranes, the binding was completely displaced by frog ANP, rat ANP, and porcine C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP; membranes only). However, a reduction in binding was observed after incubation with ¹²⁵I-rANP and 1 μM of the natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C) ligand C-ANF, but residual binding remained suggesting the presence of two distinct binding sites. Electrophoresis of bladder membranes cross-linked to ¹²⁵I-rANP identified two bands at approximately 70 and 140 kDa that correspond to the monomeric mass of NPR-C and the guanylate cyclase receptors, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of natriuretic peptide receptor-A and NPR-C mRNA in the bladder was demonstrated with reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. In addition, rat ANP, frog ANP, and porcine CNP stimulated a significant increase in cGMP generation in bladder membrane preparations, which indicated the presence of guanylate cyclase-linked receptors. In perfused bladder preparations, arginine vasotocin increased perfusion pressure and water permeability. The infusion of frog ANP or porcine CNP failed to alter perfusion pressure or water reabsorption in the presence or absence of arginine vasotocin. This study identified a well-developed natriuretic peptide receptor system in the urinary bladder of B. marinus but the function of the receptors remains unclear.

Taxonomy and biology of two new species of gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) infesting Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Chenopodiaceae) in Australian salt marshes

Two new species of gall midge associated with two distinct galls on the succulent creeping shrub Sarcocornia quinqueflora are described from salt marshes in south-eastern Australia. The infestations caused by the new species hinder the growth of S. quinqueflora, the seeds of which are the major food of the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster. Asphondylia floriformis sp. n. Veenstra-Quah & Kolesik transforms leaf segments into flower-like galls, whereas Asphondylia sarcocorniae sp. n. Veenstra-Quah & Kolesik produces simple swellings on branches. Both galls have fungal mycelium growing in the apoplast of the gall tissue and lining the inner surface of the larval chamber where it is presumably grazed by the larva. Descriptions of the larvae, pupae, males, females and the geographical distribution of the two gall midges in south-eastern Australia are given.

New gall midge taxa (Diptera : Cecidomyiidae) from Australian Chenopodiaceae

Five new species and a new genus of gall midge are described from flower galls on native chenopod plants in Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Asphondylia vesicaria sp. n. induces galls on Atriplex vesicaria; A. mcneilli sp. n. on Sclerolaena diacantha; and A. tonsura sp. n. on Enchylaena tomentosa. Infested flowers develop into galls and produce no seeds. DNA analysis of part of the cytochrome-c oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene supported the morphological and biological differences between each of the new species and the previously described A. floriformis (Veenstra-Quah & Kolesik) and A. sarcocorniae (Veenstra-Quah & Kolesik) that induce galls on leaves and branches, respectively, of Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Chenopodiaceae) in Australian salt marshes. A new genus, Dactylasioptera gen. n. and two new species of Lasiopterini, D. adentata sp. n. and D. dentata sp. n. are described – both were reared from galls of A. mcneilli and A. tonsura.

Upregulated MT1-MMP/TIMP-2 axis in the TSU-Pr1-B1/B2 model of metastatic progression in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is associated with a high frequency of metastasis, resulting in poor prognosis for patients presenting with this disease. Models that capture and demonstrate step-wise enhancement of elements of the human metastatic cascade on a similar genetic background are useful research tools. We have utilized the transitional cell carcinoma cell line TSU-Pr1 to develop an in vivo experimental model of bladder TCC metastasis. TSU-Pr1 cells were inoculated into the left cardiac ventricle of SCID mice and the development of bone metastases was monitored using high resolution X-ray. Tumor tissue from a single bone lesion was excised and cultured in vitro to generate the TSU-Pr1-B1 subline. This cycle was repeated with the TSU-Pr1-B1 cells to generate the successive subline TSU-Pr1-B2. DNA profiling and karyotype analysis confirmed the genetic relationship of these three cell lines. In vitro, the growth rate of these cell lines was not significantly different. However, following intracardiac inoculation TSU-Pr1, TSU-Pr1-B1 and TSU-Pr1-B2 exhibited increasing metastatic potential with a concomitant decrease in time to the onset of radiologically detectable metastatic bone lesions. Significant elevations in the levels of mRNA expression of the matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP), MT2-MMP and MMP-9, and their inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2 (TIMP-2), across the progressively metastatic cell lines, were detected by quantitative PCR. Given the role of MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 in MMP-2 activation, and the upregulation of MMP-9, these data suggest an important role for matrix remodeling, particularly basement membrane, in this progression. The TSU-Pr1-B1/B2 model holds promise for further identification of important molecules.

Natriuretic peptide regulation of the kidney and urinary bladder in the cane toad, Bufo marinus

The natriuretic peptide system of mammals is important in the control of blood volume but its function in non-mammalian animals is unclear. This study identified a functional natriuretic peptide system in an amphibian and showed that the hormones are involved in the control of fluid balance.

Taxonomy of two new species of gall midge (Diptera : Cecidomyiidae) infesting Tecticornia arbuscula (Salicornioideae : Chenopodiaceae) in Australian saltmarshes

Two new species of gall midge associated with two leaf galls on the branched, perennial shrub Tecticornia arbuscula are described from saltmarshes in south-eastern Australia. The infestations caused by the new species hinder the growth of T. arbuscula which can impact on the critically endangered Orange Bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster): T. arbuscula provides perching and roosting sites and the seeds are the major food source for this bird. Asphondylia tecticorniae sp. n. Veenstra & Kolesik transforms leaf segments into single-chambered, spherical galls, whereas Asphondylia peelei sp. n. Veenstra & Kolesik produces a multi-chambered, asymmetrical gall on leaves of the same plant. Both galls have fungal mycelium lining the inner surface of the larval chamber where it is presumably grazed on by the larva. Descriptions of the larvae, pupae, males, females and geographical distribution of the two gall midges in south-eastern Australia are given. Differences in the level of parasitoid infestation of four Asphondylia species feeding on Australian Chenopodiaceae in relation to putative oviposition sites on the host plants are explored.

Herbarium collections - an invaluable resource for gall midge taxonomists

Dasineura tomentosa is a gall midge inducing distinctive galls on Leptospermum laevigatum. An efficient way of determining the geographic distribution of a gall midge is to examine herbarium specimens for the presence of galls inadvertently collected with the plant specimen. Of the 446 herbarium specimens of L. laevigatum examined 40 had galls caused by D. tomentosa, and two of the three galls examined in detail contained a parasitoid wasp. Despite some limitations, herbarium collections are an invaluable resource for insect taxonomists.

Incidence of bladder cancer in Sri Lanka : analysis of the cancer registry data and review of the incidence of bladder cancer in the South Asian population

PurposeTo investigate the incidence of bladder cancer (BC) in Sri Lanka and to compare risk factors and outcomes with those of other South Asian nations and South Asian migrants to the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).Materials and MethodsThe incidence of BC in Sri Lanka was examined by using two separate cancer registry databases over a 5-year period. Smoking rates were compiled by using a population-based survey from 2001 to 2009 and the relative risk was calculated by using published data.ResultsA total of 637 new cases of BC were diagnosed over the 5-year period. Sri Lankan BC incidence increased from 1985 but remained low (1.36 and 0.3 per 100,000 in males and females) and was similar to the incidence in other South Asian countries. The incidence was lower, however, than in migrant populations in the US and the UK. In densely populated districts of Sri Lanka, these rates almost doubled. Urothelial carcinoma accounted for 72%. The prevalence of male smokers in Sri Lanka was 39%, whereas Pakistan had higher smoking rates with a 6-fold increase in BC.ConclusionsSri Lankan BC incidence was low, similar to other South Asian countries (apart from Pakistan), but the actual incidence is likely higher than the cancer registry rates. Smoking is likely to be the main risk factor for BC. Possible under-reporting in rural areas could account for the low rates of BC in Sri Lanka. Any genetic or environmental protective effects of BC in South Asians seem to be lost on migration to the UK or the US and with higher levels of smoking, as seen in Pakistan.

Does successful treatment of constipation or faecal impaction resolve lower urinary tract symptoms? A structured review of the literature

Consensus guidelines advocate the treatment of constipation and faecal impaction in order to improve symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency and urinary incontinence and to promote bladder emptying in the absence of urinary tract obstruction. This structured review of the literature was undertaken to search for and appraise evidence to support or negate the hypothesis of this relationship. The search strategy was comprehensive and identified six relevant studies. Two of these had been conducted on an adult population and four studies involved children with constipation. These studies were appraised for methodological quality. It was found that sample sizes were small and evidence was inconsistent. Variable methods of reporting meant that data were not able to be pooled for meta-analysis.
Based on the limited and conflicting evidence, it is recommended that further research be undertaken to identify any correlation between bowel and bladder function.

The challenge of managing continence care in residential aged care settings : recommendations for research and practice

Incontinence-related problems are a major reason for placement in residential aged care facilities. Data from the Residential Classification Scale indicates that 86% of people in residential aged care facilities in Australia are dependent on others for bladder management, 77% require some support with bowel management and 78% require some support with toileting. In this paper, we present an overview of the literature on the issues that need to be considered for the management of incontinence in residential aged care settings. Based on this literature, we make recommendations for research and practice. Although residential care facilities are mandated to provide continence care, there is little research evidence on which to base care or to evaluate the effectiveness of current practices. Further research is required to address this gap in information to ensure delivery of residential aged care that meets the requirements of the Aged Care Act 1997.

Does a continence educational brochure promote health-seeking behavior?

OBJECTIVE: This study reviewed whether participants who were given a continence education package, which included a Continence Educational Brochure (CEB), and who indicated that they were bothered by incontinence symptoms changed health-seeking behaviors about their incontinence problem because of being given the brochure.
METHOD: This study used a descriptive and exploratory design. Participants were given the CEB and asked to read the information. They were also asked to complete a continence questionnaire and mail this back to the research team. Participants who indicated that they were bothered by a continence problem and consented to being interviewed were telephoned 2 to 3 months later. They were asked questions to determine their actions and progress in relation to managing their continence problem and whether the CEB had influenced their behavior.
SETTING AND SUBJECT: A total of 631 participants (352 females, 55.8%; 279 males, 44.2%) from 4 rural and regional settings in Victoria, Australia, participated. Of this sample, 111 participants (78 females, 70.3%; 33 males, 29.7%) who reported that they were bothered by a continence problem were interviewed 3 months after being given the CEB.
RESULTS: Two thirds of the total sample of participants (n = 111) sought help for their continence problem. Approximately 70.3% (n = 78) continued to have a continence problem. Of this group, 84.6% were still bothered by the continence problem and 65.4% had taken action to treat their incontinence. Forty-nine participants (44.1%) indicated that they had discussed the issue of bladder or bowel problems with someone directly because of this study or the information contained in the brochure. More than 94% of participants who remembered the CEB indicated that they believed the brochure would be helpful if given to other people.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the CEB prompted individuals to discuss their continence problem and in fewer cases to seek professional help. Given these findings, distribution of a continence education package is advocated as a continence health promotion strategy.

A perspective on the role of natriuretic peptides in amphibian osmoregulation

The natriuretic peptide (NP) system is a complex family of peptides and receptors that is primarily linked to the maintenance of osmotic and cardiovascular homeostasis. In amphibians, the potential role(s) of NPs is complicated by the range of osmoregulatory strategies found in amphibians, and the different tissues that participate in osmoregulation. Atrial NP, brain NP, and C-type NP have been isolated or cloned from a number of species, which has enabled physiological studies to be performed with homologous peptides. In addition, three types of NP receptors have been cloned and partially characterised. Natriuretic peptides are always potent vasodilators in amphibian blood vessels, and ANP has been shown to increase the permeability of the microcirculation. In the perfused kidney, ANP causes vasodilation, diuresis and natriuresis that are caused by an increased GFR rather than effects in the renal tubules. These data are supported by the presence of ANP receptors only on the glomeruli and renal blood vessels. In the bladder and skin, the function of NPs is enigmatic because physiological analysis of the effects of ANP on bladder and skin function has yielded conflicting data with no clear role for NPs being revealed. Overall, NPs often have no direct effect, but in some studies they have been shown to inhibit the function of AVT. In addition, there is evidence that ANP can inhibit salt retention in amphibians since it can inhibit the ability of adrenocorticotrophic hormone or angiotensin II to stimulate corticosteroid secretion. It is proposed that an important role for cardiac NPs could be in the control of hypervolaemia during periods of rapid rehydration, which occurs in terrestrial amphibians.