Expression and T cell regulatory action of the PD-1 immune checkpoint in the ovary and fallopian tube.

Problem: Immune cell trafficking and surveillance within the ovary and fallopian tube are thought to impact fertility and also tumorigenesis in those organs. However, little is known of how native cells of the ovary and fallopian tube interact with resident immune cells. Interaction of the Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 (PD-1/PDCD-1/CD279) checkpoint with PD-L1 is associated with downregulated immune response.

Optimal PSA Threshold for Obtaining MRI-Fusion Biopsy in Biopsy-Naïve Patients.

Objective: The study investigates the prostate-specific antigen threshold for adding targeted, software-based, magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsy during a standard 12-core biopsy in biopsy-naïve patients. It secondarily explores whether the targeted biopsy is necessary in setting of abnormal digital rectal examination.

Methods: 260 patients with suspected localized prostate cancer with no prior biopsy underwent prostate magnetic resonance imaging and were found to have Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score ≥ 3 lesion(s).

Control of Murine Primordial Follicle Growth Activation by IκB/NFκB Signaling.

The transcription factor NFκB has been associated with the timing of menopause in a large human genome-wide association study. Furthermore, preclinical studies demonstrate that loss of Tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα) or its receptor Tnfr2 slows primordial follicle growth activation (PFGA). Although Tnfα:receptor signaling stimulates NFκB and may mechanistically link these findings, very little is known about NFκB signaling in PFGA.

Current State of Urologic Medical School Education: A Scoping Review.

Objective: To review current literature pertaining to the availability and implementation of urology-focused curricula, in an effort to highlight current approaches to urologic education at the medical school level.

Methods: A medical librarian searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ERIC, and Scopus for articles focused on undergraduate urology education. Two reviewers adjudicated all retrieved titles.

An outbreak of influenza A(H3N2) in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India, in 2011.

Introduction: Influenza is an RNA virus that belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. It causes a highly contagious acute respiratory illness, has been recognized since ancient times, and is a major health threat throughout the world. An outbreak of influenza-like illness (ILI) was reported from Alappuzha district of Kerala State between late June and July 2011.

Detection of Y STR markers of male fetal dna in maternal circulation.

Background: Circulating fetal cells and cell free DNA in the maternal blood has been shown to help in prenatal diagnosis of genetic disorders without relying on invasive procedures leading to significant risk of pregnancy loss.

Aim: The current study was undertaken to detect the male fetal population using Y STR markers DYS 19, DYS 385 and DYS 392 and also to study the extent of persistence of fetal DNA in the mother following delivery.

Materials And Methods: Blinded study was conducted on 50 mothers delivering male and female babies.