SelectMDx and Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate for Men Undergoing Primary Prostate Biopsy: A Prospective Assessment in a Multi-Institutional Study

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing as the sole indication for prostate biopsy lacks specificity, resulting in overdiagnosis of indolent prostate cancer (PCa) and missing clinically significant PCa (csPCa). SelectMDx is a biomarker-based risk score to assess urinary HOXC6 and DLX1 mRNA expression combined with traditional clinical risk factors. The aim of this prospective multi-institutional study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SelectMDx and its association with multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) when predicting PCa in prostate biopsies. Overall, 310 consecutive subjects were included. All patients underwent mpMRI and SelectMDx prior to prostate biopsy. SelectMDx and mpMRI showed sensitivity and specificity of 86.5% vs. 51.9%, and 73.8% vs. 88.3%, respectively, in predicting PCa at biopsy, and 87.1% vs. 61.3%, and 63.7% vs. 83.9%, respectively, in predicting csPCa at biopsy. SelectMDx was revealed to be a good predictor of PCa, while with regards to csPCa detection, it was demonstrated to be less effective, showing results similar to mpMRI. With analysis of strategies assessed to define the best diagnostic strategy to avoid unnecessary biopsy, SelectMDx appeared to be a reliable pathway after an initial negative mpMRI. Thus, biopsy could be proposed for all cases of mpMRI PI-RADS 4-5 score, and to those with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 1-3 score followed by a positive SelectMDx

Structural Determinants in the Binding of BB2 Receptor Ligands: In Silico, X-Ray and NMR Studies in PD176252 Analogues.

The mammalian bombesin receptor family comprises three G protein-coupled receptors: the neuromedin B receptor, the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (BB2), and the bombesin receptor subtype 3. BB2 receptor plays a role in gastrointestinal functions; however, at present the role of this subtype in physiological and pathological conditions is unknown due to the lack of specific binders for all subclasses of bombesin receptors. Here, we present a study focused on the properties of the peptoid bombesin antagonist called PD176252, and other structural analogues with the aim to elucidate causes of their different affinity towards the BB2 receptor. By means of computational techniques, based on QSAR, docking and homology building, supported by experimental data (X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy) fresh insights on binding modes of this class of biological targets were achieved

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline/2H-chromen-2-one conjugates as nanomolar P-glycoprotein inhibitors: Molecular determinants for affinity and selectivity over multidrug resistance associated protein 1

A series of coniugates bearing a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline motif linked to substituted 7-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-ones was synthesized and assayed through calcein-AM test in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells overexpressing P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and closely related multidrug resistance associated protein 1 (MRP1) to probe the interference with efflux mechanisms mediated by P-gp and MRP1, respectively. A number of substituents at C3 and C4 of coumarin nucleus along with differently sized and shaped spacers was enrolled to investigate the effects of focused structural modifications over affinity and selectivity. Linker length and flexibility played a key role in enhancing P-gp affinity as proved by the most potent P-gp modulator (3h, IC50 = 70 nM). A phenyl ring within the spacer (3k, 3l, 3o) and bulkier groups (Br in 3r, Ph in 3u) at coumarin C3 led to derivatives showing nanomolar activity (160 nM < IC50 < 280 nM) along with outstanding selectivity over MRP1 (SI > 350). Molecular docking calculations carried out on a human MDR1 homology model structure contributed to gain insights into the ligands’ binding modes. Some compounds (3d, 3h, 3l, 3r, 3t, 3u) reversed MDR thereby restoring doxorubicin cytotoxicity when co-administered with the drug into MDCK-MDR1 cells

Comparing Different Sticky Traps to Monitor the Occurrence of <i>Philaenus spumarius</i> and <i>Neophilaenus campestris</i>, Vectors of <i>Xylella fastidiosa,</i> in Different Crops

Following the detection of the quarantine bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Wells et al.) in the Apulia region (southern Italy) and the identification of spittlebugs as the main vector species that contributes to its epidemic spread, monitoring activities have been intensified in an attempt to implement vector control strategies. To date, sweep nets have been the most widely used sampling method to monitor adult spittlebug populations. Field experiments were carried out, during 2018 and 2019, to evaluate the effectiveness of sticky traps in capturing spittlebugs in different woody crops. The attractiveness of different traps was compared: four colored sticky traps (white, red, blue, and yellow), with the yellow sticky traps having three different background patterns (plain yellow, yellow with a black circle pattern, and yellow with a black line pattern). In addition, the efficiency of the yellow sticky traps was evaluated by placing the traps on the ground or hanging them from the canopies in orchards with different spittlebug population densities. Trap catches of Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus) and Neophilaenus campestris (Fallén) (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) were compared with those collected using sweep nets. The two spittlebug species showed a similar response to the colored traps and were mainly attracted to the yellow sticky traps. Captures throughout the adult season indicated that an accurate estimation of the presence and abundance of spittlebugs can be obtained by integrating the two sampling methods. Moreover, sweep nets appeared to be more efficient in collecting adults soon after their emergence, while the use of sticky traps was more efficient in the rest of the adult season when the use of traps can significantly expedite vector monitoring programs

Improvement of urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in benign prostate hyperplasia patients associated with consumption of a newly developed whole tomato-based food supplement: a phase II prospective, randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common urologic disease among elderly men. The diagnosis of BPH is usually driven by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. This phase II prospective, randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel whole tomato-based food supplement on LUTS of patients diagnosed with BPH. Methods: Forty consecutive patients with histologically proved BPH were randomized 1:1 to receive daily for 2 months a sachet (5 g) of a newly developed whole tomato food supplement (WTFS) (treatment = Group A) or placebo (Group B). Patients were asked to fill the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire before and after treatment. Results: All but 1 patient in Group B successfully completed the scheduled regimen. No side effects were recorded. Unlike placebo, treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.0002) LUTS since mean IPSS decreased from 9.05 ± 1.15 to 7.15 ± 1.04 (paired t-test, two-tailed P-value < 0.001), and improved life quality (P < 0.0001). A trend toward a reduction of total PSA levels was observed in WTFS treated patients (8.98 ng/mL ± 1.52 vs 6.95 ± 0.76, P = 0.065), with changes being statistically significant only in the subgroup of patients with baseline levels above 10 ng/mL (18.5 ng/mL ± 2.7 vs 10.3 ± 2.1, P = 0.009). Conclusions: The new WTFS may represent a valid option for the treatment of symptomatic BPH patients. Unlike pharmacological treatments, the supplement is side effects free and highly accepted among patients