ABSTRACT
The miR-106b-25 microRNA (miRNA) cluster is a candidate oncogene in human prostate cancer. Here, we report that miRNAs encoded by miR-106b-25 are upregulated in both primary tumors and distant metastasis. Moreover, increased tumor miR-106b expression was associated with disease recurrence and the combination of high miR-106b and low CASP7 (caspase-7) expressions in primary tumors was an independent predictor of early disease recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio=4.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-12.3). To identify yet unknown oncogenic functions of miR-106b, we overexpressed it in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells to examine miR-106b-induced global expression changes among protein-coding genes. The approach revealed that CASP7 is a direct target of miR-106b, which was confirmed by western blot analysis and a 3'-untranslated region reporter assay. Moreover, selected phenotypes induced by miR-106b knockdown in DU145 human prostate cancer cells did not develop when both miR-106b and CASP7 expression were inhibited. Further analyses showed that CASP7 is downregulated in primary prostate tumors and metastatic lesions across multiple data sets and is by itself associated with disease recurrence and disease-specific survival. Using bioinformatics, we also observed that miR-106b-25 may specifically influence focal adhesion-related pathways. This observation was experimentally examined using miR-106b-25-transduced 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cells. After infection with a miR-106b-25 lentiviral expression construct, 22Rv1 cells showed increased adhesion to basement membrane- and bone matrix-related filaments and enhanced soft agar growth. In summary, miR-106b-25 was found to be associated with prostate cancer progression and disease outcome and may do so by altering apoptosis- and focal adhesion-related pathways.
Subject(s)
Caspase 7/genetics , Focal Adhesions , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , MicroRNAs/physiology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/etiology , Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics , 3' Untranslated Regions , Cell Line, Tumor , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Metastasis , Prostatic Neoplasms/etiology , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Integration of the orbit of asteroid (29075) 1950 DA, which is based on radar and optical measurements spanning 51 years, reveals a 20-minute interval in March 2880 when there could be a nonnegligible probability of the 1-kilometer object colliding with Earth. Trajectory knowledge remains accurate until then because of extensive astrometric data, an inclined orbit geometry that reduces in-plane perturbations, and an orbit uncertainty space modulated by gravitational resonance. The approach distance uncertainty in 2880 is determined primarily by uncertainty in the accelerations arising from thermal re-radiation of solar energy absorbed by the asteroid. Those accelerations depend on the spin axis, composition, and surface properties of the asteroid, so that refining the collision probability may require direct inspection by a spacecraft.
ABSTRACT
This study quantified the relationship between calibrated caliper and ultrasonographic derived measurements of bovine testicles in vivo with actual testicular length, width, volume and weight. The prolate spheroid formula was tested to accurately predict testicular volume and a modification to predict weight. Ten bulls were employed to derive caliper and ultrasound testicle (n = 20) length and width measurements in vivo. Caliper length measurements were more reliable than ultrasound derived lengths, with correlations of r2 = 0.8023; P < 0.05 and r2 = 0.5111; P < 0.05, respectively. Width for both the calipers and ultrasound measurements when compared to actual width measurements were r2 = 0.7313; P < 0.05 and r2 = 0.8310; P < 0.05, respectively. The prolate spheroid formula is reliable in determining testicle (n = 116) volume (r2 = 0.8928; P < 0.05). Testicular volume and weight are highly correlated (r2 = 0.9776; P < 0.05); therefore, a modification of the prolate spheroid formula was used to predict weight (r2 = 0.9084; P < 0.05) against the actual weight. Caliper-derived length and width measurements used in the prediction of volume and weight had correlation coefficients against actual volume and weight of r2 = 0.5497; P < 0.05 and r2 = 0.6340; P < 0.05, respectively. Ultrasound in vivo measurements for prediction of testicular volume and testicular weight had a correlation of r2 = 0.3276; P < 0.05 and r2 = 0.6249; P < 0.05, respectively. A testicular (n = 116) length to width ratio of 1.8:1 (SEM = 0.01) was determined for both slaughterhouse and castrated animals. Caliper measurements are reliable, inexpensive and much simpler to obtain than ultrasound determinations for in vivo testicle length, width, volume and weight. The two-dimensional measurement of length and width would be a more accurate predictor of testicle volume and weight than the one-dimensional measurement of scrotal circumference (SC), especially in bulls with variation in testicular shape.
Subject(s)
Testis/anatomy & histology , Animals , Calibration , Cattle , Male , Models, Theoretical , Regression Analysis , Testis/diagnostic imaging , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between testicular shape, scrotal circumference (SC) and sperm production. Twenty-seven mature Holstein bulls were evaluated subjectively and objectively for testicular shape as indicated by testicular length and width, then placed in 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 contained 17 bulls with a normal ovoid testicular shape and a length to width ratio of 1.61:1 +/- 0.01 (SEM). Group 2 was composed of 4 bulls with a long, slender testicular shape and a length to width ratio of 1.95:1 +/- 0.06 (SEM). Group 3 was comprised of 6 bulls with spheroid-shaped testicles and a length to width ratio of 1.3:1 +/- 0.03 (SEM). All the groups were statistically different for length to width ratios (P < 0.05). Length measurements from cranial to caudal pole of the testis proper were also different between groups (P < 0.05). Width or testicular diameter was different between Group 2 and Group 3 at P < 0.05; however, there was no difference between Group 1 and Group 2 or between Group 1 and Group 3. Predicted volumes and weights of testicles were not significantly different between groups. Scrotal circumference measurements were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). Group 1 had an average SC of 43.07 +/- 0.36 cm (SEM), Group 2 of 39.33 +/- 1.18 cm (SEM) and Group 3 of 46.22 +/- 0.69 cm (SEM). Sperm production for a twice daily, 2-day-per-week collection schedule revealed a statistically significant difference for sperm output. A total of 2742 ejaculates was evaluated. A total of 1818 ejaculates was evaluated in Group 1, 440 ejaculates in Group 2 and 484 ejaculates in Group 3. The mean spermatozoal harvest per day for Group 1 bulls was 13.62 +/- 0.09 x 10(9) (SEM). Group 2 bulls with the longer-shaped testicles produced 14.82 +/- 0.18 x 10(9) (SEM) spermatozoa per day, and Group 3 bulls, with the more rounded testicle shape and the significantly larger SC produced 11.72 +/- 0.64 x 10(9)(SEM) sperm cells per day. All 3 groups were statistically different at the P = 0.05 level. The results suggest that prediction of sperm production may be dependent on factors other than SC, testicular volume, or weight. Testicular shape may influence sperm output in mature Holstein bulls.
ABSTRACT
Mean conduction velocity of sensory axons of the dorsal penile nerves of clinically normal bulls was determined by recording action potentials evoked by cutaneous stimulation. Locations of stimulating and recording electrodes were standardized. Overall mean +/- SD conduction velocity was 55.1 +/- 5.1 m/s. Mean +/- SD velocity recorded from the distal electrode was 53.3 +/- 4.9 m/s; velocity recorded from the middle electrode was 55.3 +/- 5.0 m/s; and velocity recorded from the proximal electrode was 56.7 +/- 5.1 m/s. Differences among means were not significant. Four bulls had mean conduction velocities of 54.0 m/s and 48.4 m/s before and 3 weeks after castration, respectively.
Subject(s)
Neural Conduction , Neurons, Afferent/physiology , Penis/innervation , Analysis of Variance , Animals , Cattle , Electric Stimulation , Evoked Potentials , Male , Time FactorsABSTRACT
The inversion of previously reported, delay-Doppler images of Castalia yields a 167-parameter, three-dimensional shape model that is bifurcated into two distinct, irregular, kilometer-sized lobes. The crevice that separates the lobes has an average depth of between 100 and 150 meters and is oriented roughly perpendicular to the asteroid's longest dimension. The constrained least-squares reconstruction method introduced here can be used to determine the shape, spin vector, and radar-scattering properties of any asteroid or comet for which delay-Doppler images provide sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, orientational coverage, and spatial resolution.
ABSTRACT
Over an 8-year period, 8 beef cattle with mesothelioma were admitted to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Louisiana State School of Veterinary Medicine. Diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of affected tissues. Five bulls, 1 steer, and 2 cows were affected. Four of the bulls had scrotal swelling; 2 cows and 1 bull had ventral abdominal swelling. The peritoneal cavity was involved in 5 cases, the pleural cavity was affected in 2 cases, and in 2 cases, disease was apparently confined to the vaginal cavity. Of the 8 cattle, 6 died or were euthanatized; only cattle with tumor apparently confined to the vaginal cavity survived.
Subject(s)
Cattle Diseases/diagnosis , Mesothelioma/veterinary , Peritoneal Neoplasms/veterinary , Pleural Neoplasms/veterinary , Testicular Neoplasms/veterinary , Animals , Cattle , Cattle Diseases/pathology , Female , Male , Mesothelioma/diagnosis , Mesothelioma/pathology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Peritoneal Neoplasms/pathology , Pleural Neoplasms/diagnosis , Pleural Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Testicular Neoplasms/diagnosis , Testicular Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Echoes from the near-Earth object 1986 DA show it to be significantly more reflective than other radar-detected asteroids. This result supports the hypothesis that 1986 DA is a piece of NiFe metal derived from the interior of a much larger object that melted, differentiated, cooled, and subsequently was disrupted in a catastrophic collision. This 2-kilometer asteroid, which appears smooth at centimeter to meter scales but extremely irregular at 10- to 100-meter scales, might be (or have been a part of the parent body of some iron meteorites.
ABSTRACT
Four polled Hereford bulls were found to have satisfactory breeding soundness examinations. They were examined by B-mode ultrasonography, at which time the testicular diameter was measured by ultrasound. The testicles were removed, measured physically and this data was compared with the ultrasound measurements and correlated with other parameters of the breeding soundness examination. The testicles from bulls with normal breeding soundness examinations appeared ultrasonographically identical with the normal testicles from other species such as the pig and dog. Results indicated that the bull testicle diameter could be accurately measured by ultrasonography. Neither ultrasonographic nor physical testicular diameter measurements correlated statistically with scrotal circumference, but they did correlated well with testicular circumference, weight and volume.
ABSTRACT
A 4-year-old Limousin bull sustained a rupture of the ventral aspect of the tunica albuginea of the penis, 20 cm distal to the distal bend of the sigmoid flexure. The corpus spongiosum penis and urethra apparently ruptured at the same time.
Subject(s)
Cattle/surgery , Copulation , Penis/injuries , Urethra/injuries , Animals , Male , Penis/surgery , Rupture , Urethra/surgeryABSTRACT
The testicles of 14 Landrace boars (7 at 9 months of age and 7 at 15 months of age) were measured and examined by routine physical examination. Semen analysis was done. The testicles were then examined and measured by B-mode ultrasonography. The ultrasonographic appearance and measurements were compared with the physical measurements and the semen analysis. Seminiferous epithelial area (SEA) data were obtained after the testicles were surgically removed. These data were compared with the ultrasonographic data and the other physical data. A correlation could not be found between semen analysis and either physical or ultrasonographic data or between SEA data and semen analysis. Significant differences were found between the 9-month-old and the 15-month-old boars relative to 5 measurements: SEA, tunica albuginea thickness, testicular diameter, testicular length, and epididymal diameter. A ratio of 4:1 was found between each of the average physical measurements (scrotal diameter, testicular-epididymal circumference, testicular-epididymal length) and ultrasonographic measurements of testicular diameter. A ratio of 2.6:1 was found between testicular diameter and epididymal tail diameter (cranial to caudal).
Subject(s)
Swine/anatomy & histology , Testis/anatomy & histology , Ultrasonography/veterinary , Animals , Male , Semen/analysisABSTRACT
Thermographic patterns of the bovine scrotum were established in 15 clinically normal bulls and were compared with patterns in 10 bulls with scrotal and testicular diseases. Thermography of a normal scrotum was characterized by a symmetrical and constant thermal pattern with a temperature gradient of 4 degrees to 6 degrees (C) from the base to the apex of the scrotum. There was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in the temperature from the base to the apex of the scrotum (34.94 +/- 0.60 C to 30.11 +/- 0.91 C). Lack of thermal symmetry was seen in bulls with unilateral lesions. Inflammation of one testicle increased ipsilateral scrotal infrared emission temperature 2.5 degrees to 3 degrees (C) above that in the contralateral side. If both testes were inflamed and hyperemic, there was an overall increase in scrotal temperature of at least 3 degrees (C), and a reduction in temperature gradient of 2 to 3 degrees (C) from the base to the apex of the scrotum. Area temperatures in bulls with chronic testicular degeneration with fibrosis were reduced.
Subject(s)
Cattle/physiology , Scrotum/physiology , Thermography/veterinary , Animals , Cattle Diseases/diagnosis , Male , Testicular Diseases/diagnosis , Testicular Diseases/veterinaryABSTRACT
Unilateral orchiectomy was performed on 9 mature mixed-breed bulls with satisfactory semen quality to study the effect of the procedure on quality of semen from the contralateral testicle. Semen was collected by electroejaculation before surgery and on alternate days for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 8 weeks. Each sampling day, progressive motility and morphologic features of spermatozoa were determined, and scrotal thermograms were taken. The percentage of normal spermatozoa decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) only on postoperative day 6. Progressive motility scores varied but at the end of the study there was no significant difference from preoperative values. Scrotal thermography revealed inflammation in the contralateral side of the scrotum, beginning 3 days after surgery, but the thermograms were normal in most bulls by 3 weeks after surgery, and all thermograms were normal by 4 weeks.
Subject(s)
Cattle/physiology , Semen/cytology , Spermatozoa/physiology , Testis/surgery , Animals , Male , Sperm Motility , Spermatozoa/abnormalities , Thermography/veterinary , Time FactorsABSTRACT
This paper describes the apparent first reported case of torsion of the uterus in a 3-year-old child, its management, and discussion of the anatomy.
Subject(s)
Uterine Diseases/diagnosis , Fallopian Tube Diseases/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant , Ovarian Diseases/pathology , Torsion Abnormality , Uterine Diseases/pathology , Uterine Diseases/surgerySubject(s)
Cattle Diseases/etiology , Erectile Dysfunction/veterinary , Penis/blood supply , Animals , Cattle , Cattle Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Erectile Dysfunction/diagnostic imaging , Erectile Dysfunction/etiology , Hematoma/complications , Hematoma/veterinary , Humans , Male , Penis/diagnostic imaging , RadiographyABSTRACT
Intact and ovariectomized pony mares were treated with either progesterone in-oil or repositol progesterone. Serum progesterone, endometrial progesterone and endometrial histology were examined. There were no differences in serum or tissue progesterone between intact and ovariectomized mares. Serum and tissue progesterone were greater for progesterone in-oil treated mares than for repositol treated mares. Both progesterone in-oil and repositol progesterone initiated endometrial gland proliferation with no difference in response observed between the two preparations.
ABSTRACT
Fifteen bovine fetuses were inoculated in utero 20 to 123 days before birth with a mixture of killed Mycobacterium bovis, tetanus toxoid, and ferritin in Freund's complete adjuvant. On the day of birth (day 0) and when the calves were 21 days of age, the calves were skin-tested to each of the antigens for delayed-type hypersensitivity. Nine delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to the various antigens were obtained at the 0-day test, whereas 28 responses were obtained at the 21-day test. Of those responses that were positive, the mean differences in the double skin-fold thickness before testing and 48 hours later were 5.4 mm for the 0-day and 21-day test and 9.4 mm for the 21-day test. Six control calves that were not inoculated in utero were skin tested on days 0 and 21 and did not exhibit any positive reactions. There was no indication that the interval between immunization and birth had any effect on the immune response. Cellular characteristics of the reactions at 0 and 21 days were the same.
Subject(s)
Animals, Newborn/immunology , Cattle/immunology , Animals , Ferritins/immunology , Immunity, Cellular , Skin Tests/veterinary , Tetanus Toxoid/immunology , Tuberculin Test/veterinaryABSTRACT
Nine pregnant cows were laparotomized and their fetuses were immunized with tetanus toxoid, killed Brucella abortus, and killed Mycobacterium bovis. Blastogenesis assays and total leukocyte and differential counts were done when the calves were 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 60 days of age. Initial blastogenesis responses to antigens, phytohemagglutinin, and concanavalin A were not positive as frequently as were the responses obtained when the calves were 2 to 3 weeks of age. The probability of obtaining a positive response to an antigen was positively correlated with the magnitude of the response, as determined by delayed-type hypersensitivity skin reactions. Leukocyte and differential WBC counts in immunized calves were similar to those of unimmunized calves. The mean leukocyte count for the immunized calves remained near 16,000 cells/mm3; blood obtained in the first few days after birth contained a greater number of neutrophils than lymphocytes, whereas lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio gradually approached those of adult cattle, in which lymphocytes predominate.
Subject(s)
Brucella abortus/immunology , Cattle/immunology , Fetus/immunology , Immunity, Cellular , Immunization/veterinary , Lymphocyte Activation , Mycobacterium bovis/immunology , Tetanus Toxoid/immunology , Age Factors , Animals , Antibody Formation , Antigens/immunology , Female , Mitogens/immunology , Pregnancy , UterusABSTRACT
A concentration of 2.5 X 10(-5) M 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) added to the medium in lymphocyte blastogenesis assays increased both the uptake of [3H]thymidine in unstimulated lymphocyte cultures and the probability of detecting antigen-sensitized cattle. The use of 2-ME did not cause lymphocytes from unsensitized cattle to react positively in blastogenesis assays. A crude brucella lysate prepared from Brucella abortus strain 19 was compared with a well-characterized brucella protein allergen prepared from B melitensis and was found to be equally suitable for use in blastogenesis assays. Cell-mediated immunity was produced most effectively in 4-month-old calves by tetanus toxoid, then by Mycobacterium bovis, and least effectively by B abortus.