Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Finasteride Treatment on Suburethral Prostatic Microvessel Density in Patients with Hematuria Related to Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Introduction: In the present study we evaluated the effect of short-term finasteride treatment on microvessel density (MVD)which is an indicator of prostatic angiogenesis in patients with hematuria secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: 30 patients who were candidates for BPH surgery were prospectively included in the study. All patients had history of gross hematuria and evaluated by ultrasonography and cystoscopy. The patients were randomized two groups before surgery. The treatment group consisted of 13 patients who were given 5 mg finasteride daily for 4 weeks before surgery. The control group consisted of 17 patients who did not receive finasteride before surgery. During surgery, resected suburethral and hyperplastic prostate specimens were sent for histopathologic MVD determination separately. Results: Mean MVD in the suburethral portion of prostate was significantly lower in patients treated with finasteride when compared with controls (9.08 ± 5.6 and 13.94 ± 5.90, respectively, p < 0.05). Mean MVD for the hyperplastic portion of prostate was similar for the finasteride and control groups (14.21 ± 7.10 and 19.75 ± 9.73, respectively, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The potential role of finasteride on hematuria related to BPH may be the suppressive effect on MVDin the suburethral tissue of prostate.
The effects of membrane potential on active and passive sodium transport in Xenopus oocytes.

1. The effects of membrane potential on the Na+‐K+ pump were studied by measuring membrane current and 22Na+ efflux in voltage‐clamped Xenopus oocytes. The effects of inhibiting the Na+‐K+ pump with strophanthidin were examined. 2. Strophanthidin produced an inward shift of membrane current which reversed on removal of the drug. In control oocytes the magnitude of this current was not significantly affected by changing membrane potential over the range ‐20 to ‐160 mV. 3. In another series of experiments the intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) was elevated either by overnight Na+‐K+ pump inhibition (strophanthidin or exposure to K+‐free solutions) or by loading with nystatin. This Na+‐loading increased the magnitude of the strophanthidin‐sensitive current. The ratio of strophanthidin‐sensitive 22Na+ efflux:strophanthidin‐sensitive current was consistent with that expected from a 3Na+‐2K+ exchange. 4. When [Na+]i was elevated the strophanthidin‐sensitive current was sensitive to changes of membrane potential. Hyperpolarization from ‐20 to ‐80 mV decreased the current to 60% of control. It is suggested that the current is not sensitive to membrane potential at normal [Na+]i because the over‐all reaction is rate limited by the availability of intracellular Na+. 5. The application of strophanthidin decreased the rate of 22Na+ efflux. Both the strophanthidin‐insensitive and the strophanthidin‐sensitive components of efflux were sensitive to changes of membrane potential. The strophanthidin‐insensitive component was not greatly affected by hyperpolarization from ‐40 to ‐160 mV but was increased by depolarization to +40 mV. 6. In Na+‐loaded oocytes, the strophanthidin‐sensitive component of 22Na+ efflux was inhibited by hyperpolarization negative from ‐40 mV. Hyperpolarization from ‐40 to ‐160 mV decreased the efflux by 54 +/‐ 5%. Over the limited range of potentials for which a comparison could be made, the effects on 22Na+ efflux were somewhat less than on the electrogenic Na+‐K+ pump current. On average there was no significant effect of depolarizing from 0 to +40 mV. However, in some experiments a clear inhibition of the efflux was observed. If the oocytes were not Na+ loaded there was no significant effect of membrane potential on the strophanthidin‐sensitive Na+ efflux. 7. These results show that the effects of membrane potential on the net reaction of the Na+‐K+ pump (as measured by the electrogenic current) result partly from an inhibition of the forward mode of operation. However, there is also evidence to suggest a contribution from stimulation of the reverse reaction.
EVOLUTION OF INCOMPATIBILITY-INDUCING MICROBES IN SUBDIVIDED HOST POPULATIONS

Many insects, other arthropods, and nematodes harbor maternally inherited bacteria inducing “cytoplasmic incompatibility” (CI), reduced egg hatch when infected males mate with uninfected females. Although CI drives the spread of these microbes, selection on alternative, mutually compatible strains in panmictic host populations does not act directly on CI intensity but favors higher “effective fecundity,” the number of infected progeny an infected female produces. We analyze the consequences of host population subdivision using deterministic and stochastic models. In subdivided populations, effective fecundity remains the primary target of selection. For strains of equal effective fecundity, if population density is regulated locally (i.e., “soft selection”), variation among patches in infection frequencies may induce change in the relative frequencies of the strains. However, whether this change favors stronger incompatibility depends on initial frequencies. Demographic fluctuations maintain frequency variation that tends to favor stronger incompatibility. However, this effect is weak; even with small patches, minute increases in effective fecundity can offset substantial decreases in CI intensity. These results are insensitive to many details of host life cycle and migration and to systematic outbreeding or inbreeding within patches. Selection acting through transfer between host species may be required to explain the prevalence of CI.
Race, sex, and puberty influence onset, severity, and outcome in juvenile myasthenia gravis

We assessed the influence of race, sex, and puberty upon clinical features and outcome in 115 patients with autoimmune juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG). These demographic variables influenced not only disease incidence but also disease severity, response to therapy, and outcome, despite comparable therapeutic strategies. Among white patients, those with prepubertal onset had low incidence and equal sex ratio; the incidence in females increased during and after puberty; males had lesser disease severity than females during and after puberty (p < 0.05); spontaneous remissions were most frequent (44%, p = 0.001) and persistence of active JMG for more than 10 years was least frequent (p = 0.05) in patients with prepubertal onset; remissions were more frequent after early than late thymectomy (p = 0.03); and final disease severity was less after early than late thymectomy. Black patients had similar incidence, disease severity, and sex ratio (F:M = 2:1) with pre-, peri-, or postpubertal disease onset; infrequent spontaneous or treatment-induced remissions; and the same final disease severity after early or late thymectomy. These observations imply that race and sex hormones modify the clinical features and outcome of JMG; spontaneous remissions are common in white patients with prepubertal disease onset; early thymectomy may be more beneficial than late thymectomy in white patients; and the role of thymectomy in the youngest patients is uncertain. We suggest that demographic factors should be considered when evaluating past and future therapeutic strategies for JMG.
Monoclonal Antibodies Directed against Cadherin RGD Exhibit Therapeutic Activity against Melanoma and Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

Purpose: New targets are required for the control of advanced metastatic disease. We investigated the use of cadherin RGD motifs, which activate the α2β1integrin pathway, as targets for the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Experimental Design: Cadherin 17 (CDH17) fragments and peptides were prepared and used for immunization and antibody development. Antibodies were tested for inhibition of β1 integrin and cell adhesion, proliferation, and invasion assays using cell lines from different cancer types (colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, and breast cancer). Effects of the mAbs on cell signaling were determined by Western blot analysis. Nude mice were used for survival analysis after treatment with RGD-specific mAbs and metastasis development. Results: Antibodies against full-length CDH17 failed to block the binding to α2β1 integrin. However, CDH17 RGD peptides generated highly selective RGD mAbs that blocked CDH17 and vascular-endothelial (VE)-cadherin–mediated β1 integrin activation in melanoma and breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer cells. Antibodies provoked a significant reduction in cell adhesion and proliferation of metastatic cancer cells. Treatment with mAbs impaired the integrin signaling pathway activation of FAK in colorectal cancer, of JNK and ERK kinases in colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and of JNK, ERK, Src, and AKT in melanoma and breast cancer. In vivo, RGD-specific mAbs increased mouse survival after inoculation of melanoma and colorectal cancer cell lines to cause lung and liver metastasis, respectively. Conclusions: Blocking the interaction between RGD cadherins and α2β1 integrin with highly selective mAbs constitutes a promising therapy against advanced metastatic disease in colon cancer, melanoma, and, potentially, other cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 433–44. ©2017 AACR. See related commentary by Marshall, p. 253
Long-Term Power Performance of Elite Australian Rules Football Players

McGuigan, MR, Cormack, S, and Newton, RU. Long-term power performance of elite Australian rules football players. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 26-32, 2009-Measuring and tracking performance variables such as peak power output is essential for assessing the effects of training and for informing adjustments to optimize program design. The purpose of this study was to track the long-term changes in muscular power, velocity, and jump height of elite Australian Rules Football (ARF) players during a 3-year period. Twelve members of an ARF team were tracked during the study. The physical characteristics of the subjects were age, 25.3 ± 2.8 years; body mass, 93.0 ± 6.8 kg; and height, 192 ± 6 cm. The subjects performed unweighted and weighted (40 kg) countermovement jumps (CMJ) and static jumps (SJ). Peak power, jump height, and bar velocity were determined using a force plate and position transducer. Measures of peak power output during both the CMJ and SJ indicated significant (p ≤ 0.001) increases of 13% (effect size [ES] = 0.70) and 17% (ES = 1.77), respectively, during the course of the tracking period. There was also a significant 9% (ES = 0.71) increase in CMJ40 peak power. The subjects' CMJ peak velocity improved by 10.7% (ES = 0.34), and SJ peak velocity improved by 12.6% (ES = 0.37). The data from this study show that elite-level ARF players can continue to increase muscular power and velocity. This information is of interest to strength and conditioning coaches who are interested in improving power performance of their athletes for a long-term period.
Efficient Intracellular Assembly of Papillomaviral Vectors

ABSTRACT Although the papillomavirus structural proteins, L1 and L2, can spontaneously coassemble to form virus-like particles, currently available methods for production of L1/L2 particles capable of transducing reporter plasmids into mammalian cells are technically demanding and relatively low-yield. In this report, we describe a simple 293 cell transfection method for efficient intracellular production of papillomaviral-based gene transfer vectors carrying reporter plasmids. Using bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) and human papillomavirus type 16 as model papillomaviruses, we have developed a system for producing papillomaviral vector stocks with titers of several billion transducing units per milliliter. Production of these vectors requires both L1 and L2, and transduction can be prevented by papillomavirus-neutralizing antibodies. The stocks can be purified by an iodixanol (OptiPrep) gradient centrifugation procedure that is substantially more effective than standard cesium chloride gradient purification. Although earlier data had suggested a potential role for the viral early protein E2, we found that E2 protein expression did not enhance the intracellular production of BPV1 vectors. It was also possible to encapsidate reporter plasmids devoid of BPV1 DNA sequences. BPV1 vector production efficiency was significantly influenced by the size of the target plasmid being packaged. Use of 6-kb target plasmids resulted in BPV1 vector yields that were higher than those with target plasmids closer to the native 7.9-kb size of papillomavirus genomes. The results suggest that the intracellular assembly of papillomavirus structural proteins around heterologous reporter plasmids is surprisingly promiscuous and may be driven primarily by a size discrimination mechanism.
The evaluation of competitive research funding : .an application to French programs

Cette these a pour objectif d'analyser l'efficacite de la mise en place de nouvelles politiques de recherche visant a modifier le mode d'allocation des financements aux chercheurs academiques en France. Avec la creation de l'Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) en 2005, l'orientation donnee concede un poids plus important a l'allocation des financements de maniere competitive entre les chercheurs, approche basee sur le modele competitif Anglo-saxon, en complement du systeme traditionnel d'attribution de financements recurrents aux laboratoires de recherche. De plus, en 2010 a ete initie par le gouvernement le Programme d'Investissement d'Avenir (PIA), pour soutenir la recherche en France. Par ce biais, certains centres de recherche en competition ont ete selectionnes, apres evaluation de leur projet, pour obtenir des subventions substantielles afin d'ameliorer leur visibilite au niveau mondial. Le premier chapitre porte sur l'etude de l'influence de l'originalite et de la nouveaute de la recherche menee sur la decision des chercheurs de soumettre un projet a un programme de l'ANR, et sur la selection du projet et son financement par l'agence. Le second chapitre etudie les effets de l'obtention d'un financement sur projet de l'ANR sur divers indicateurs relatifs a la production scientifique ex-post des chercheurs selectionnes. Le troisieme chapitre est consacre a l'analyse de programmes d'attribution competitive de subventions supplementaires a des universites (IDEX) et des laboratoires de recherche francais (LABEX), de maniere a faire emerger des centres d'excellence. Nous etudions l'impact de cette politique sur les performances scientifiques ex-post des chercheurs et enseignants-chercheurs concernes, avec une application a l'Universite de Bordeaux.
Comparative Analysis of Vertical Heterogeneity of Microbial Community in Sulfur-Packed Reactor Used for Autotrophic Nitrate Removal

Abstract To better understand microbial community in sulfur-based nitrate removal process, comparative molecular analyses were performed with the biofilm formed on sulfur particles that were obtained from different bed-heights of a laboratory-scale reactor employed for the process. Microbial community in the reactor showed vertical heterogeneity in terms of total cell count and nitrate removal activity. DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining revealed that total cell count (per g sulfur particle) gradually decreased as bed height increased until reaching approximately middle of the reactor bed, showing a nearly plateau afterward. This result partly supported ion chromatography result that most nitrate removal activity was found in the lower part of the reactor bed. Phylogenetic composition of bacterial community in the biofilm was almost similar regardless of bed height as determined by whole cell hybridization using group-specific probes. Cells affiliated with the β- and γ-Proteobacteria were the most abundant proteobacterial groups throughout the bed, although their fractions were fluctuating along the bed height. Total number of the two major groups decreased as bed height increased, showing similar trend to total cell count and nitrate removal activity. Denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis revealed similar profiles of nitrous oxide reductase gene (nosZ) fragments from denitrifying populations at the different bed-heights, suggesting similar diversity of the nosZ fragments regardless of bed height.
Effect of delay interval on classical eyeblink conditioning in 5-month-old human infants.

Associative learning was evaluated in human infants with simple delay classical eyeblink conditioning. A tone conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with an airpuff unconditioned stimulus (US) at three different delay intervals (250, 650, and 1,250 ms). Independent groups of healthy, full-term 5-month-old human infants were assigned to these three paired conditions and received two identical training sessions 1 week apart. The two longer delays resulted in associative conditioning, as confirmed by comparison with unpaired control groups. However, only at the 650-ms delay were associative eyeblinks adaptively timed to avoid the airpuff. The delay function at 5 months of age appears much sharper than is observed in adults. Together with the findings of A. H. Little, L. P. Lipsitt, and C. Rovee-Collier (1984), the present study suggests a downward shift in the optimal delay interval for associative eyeblink conditioning between 1 and 6 months of age. However, this delay remains longer than what is typically reported in adults.
Preclinical SPECT/CT Imaging of αvβ6 Integrins for Molecular Stratification of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Transforming growth factor β activation by the αvβ6 integrin is central to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Expression of the αvβ6 integrin is increased in fibrotic lung tissue and is a promising therapeutic target for treatment of the disease. Currently, measurement of αvβ6 integrin levels in the lung requires immunohistochemical analysis of biopsy samples. This procedure is clinically impractical for many patients with pulmonary fibrosis, and a noninvasive strategy for measuring αvβ6 integrin levels in the lungs is urgently required to facilitate monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic responses. Methods: Using a murine model of bleomycin-induced lung injury, we assessed the binding of intravenously administered 111In-labeled αvβ6-specific (diethylenetriamine pentaacetate-tetra [DTPA]-A20FMDV2) or control (DTPA-A20FMDVran) peptide by nanoSPECT/CT imaging. Development of fibrosis was assessed by lung hydroxyproline content, and αvβ6 protein and itgb6 messenger RNA were measured in the lungs. Results: Maximal binding of 111In-labeled A20FMDV2 peptide to αvβ6 integrins was detected in the lungs 1 h after intravenous administration. No significant binding was detected in mice injected with control peptide. Integrin binding was increased in the lungs of bleomycin-, compared with saline-, exposed mice and was attenuated by pretreatment with αvβ6-blocking antibodies. Levels of 111In-labeled A20FMDV2 peptide correlated positively with hydroxyproline, αvβ6 protein, and itgb6 messenger RNA levels. Conclusion: We have developed a highly sensitive, quantifiable, and noninvasive technique for measuring αvβ6 integrin levels within the lung. Measurement of αvβ6 integrins by SPECT/CT scanning has the potential for use in stratifying therapy for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Accuracy and precision of computerized models of the anterior cranial base in young mice

The quantitative analysis of craniofacial growth in experimental animals relies on computerized reconstructions in order to measure changes in form. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of computerized three‐dimensional models of the anterior cranial base in mice. Ten 1‐day‐old non‐littermates were collected and the anterior cranial base was dissected free from surrounding connective tissues. Eleven measurements were recorded from these cartilages. Twenty developmentally equivalent mice were collected and fixed with either glutaraldehyde or formalin and the anterior cranial base from each specimen was subjected to computerized reconstruction. The corresponding 11 measurements were recorded from these models. Results showed that the measurements recorded from the computerized models were not significantly different from those recorded directly from the actual anterior cranial bases. Therefore, the reconstructions were considered accurate. An analysis of the coefficients of error revealed that measurements derived from the computerized models were significantly more precise than those recorded directly from the actual tissue. The computerized three‐dimensional reconstruction method provides accurate and precise models of the anterior cranial base in young mice. © Willey‐Liss, Inc.
Submacular hemorrhage: A study amongst Indian eyes

Aim: To evaluate the management outcomes amongst various treatment modalities for submacular hemorrhage (SMH) in Indian subjects. Settings and Design: Retrospective, single-center study. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with SMH between 1999 and 2006 were included. Treatment modalities included: vitrectomy with subretinal recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) assisted SMH evacuation (group 1, n = 14); pneumatic displacement with intravitreal r-tPA and gas (group 2, n = 25); and pneumatic displacement with intraocular gas (group 3, n = 7). Favorable anatomical outcome was defined as complete displacement of SMH from fovea and favorable functional outcome was defined as a gain of >2 Snellen lines from the baseline. Kruskal–Wallis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Chi-square tests were used to compare the three groups, while Mann–Whitney and independent t-test were used to evaluate the influence of duration and size of SMH on outcomes. Results: There was no difference amongst groups in terms of favorable anatomical (P = 0.121) or functional outcomes (P = 0.611). Eyes with median duration of SMH less than 7.5 days had a significantly higher probability of achieving favorable anatomical outcome compared to eyes with SMH >14.5 days (P = 0.042). However, duration of SMH did not influence functional outcome (P = 0.595). Similarly, size of SMH did not affect anatomical (P = 0.578) or functional (P = 0.381) outcome. Median follow-up was 31.5, 6.5, and 2.5 months in the three groups, respectively. Conclusions: Co- existing posterior segment conditions and duration of SMH may influence the choice of treatment modality and treatment outcomes. Pneumatic displacement with r-tPA and r-tPA assisted vitrectomy appear to be favorable options for the management of SMH.
‘Double‐Hit’ cytogenetic status may not be predicted by baseline clinicopathological characteristics and is highly associated with overall survival in B cell lymphoma patients

‘Double‐Hit’ (DH) B cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas are characterized by the presence of a MYC rearrangement and additional rearrangement(s) most commonly involving BCL2 and/or BCL6. Patients with DH lymphomas are unlikely to achieve long‐term survival when treated with standard immunochemotherapy alone. DH gene rearrangements can be identified through metaphase karyotyping or more sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), although the latter is not routinely performed. We report 53 cases of B cell lymphoma that underwent diagnostic metaphase karyotying or FISH for MYC rearrangements. DH lymphoma was detected in 17 cases. No baseline factor, including age, serum lactate dehydrogenase, stage, International Prognostic Index or histology predicted for DH status. The median overall survival was significantly shorter for DH compared to non‐DH lymphoma patients (8·2 vs. 56·8 months, P < 0·001). DH status retained the most statistically significant association with overall survival on multivariate Cox regression analysis. DH status could not be inferred by baseline disease‐ or patient‐related characteristics and was most predictive of overall survival in this cohort of B cell lymphoma patients. These findings support the practice of routine performance of FISH for DH gene rearrangements on B cell lymphoma specimens in order to effectively identify DH patients who may benefit from risk‐adapted therapy.