RESUMO
ATSAS is a comprehensive software suite for the analysis of small-angle scattering data from dilute solutions of biological macromolecules or nanoparticles. It contains applications for primary data processing and assessment, ab initio bead modelling, and model validation, as well as methods for the analysis of flexibility and mixtures. In addition, approaches are supported that utilize information from X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or atomistic homology modelling to construct hybrid models based on the scattering data. This article summarizes the progress made during the 2.5-2.8 ATSAS release series and highlights the latest developments. These include AMBIMETER, an assessment of the reconstruction ambiguity of experimental data; DATCLASS, a multiclass shape classification based on experimental data; SASRES, for estimating the resolution of ab initio model reconstructions; CHROMIXS, a convenient interface to analyse in-line size exclusion chromatography data; SHANUM, to evaluate the useful angular range in measured data; SREFLEX, to refine available high-resolution models using normal mode analysis; SUPALM for a rapid superposition of low- and high-resolution models; and SASPy, the ATSAS plugin for interactive modelling in PyMOL. All these features and other improvements are included in the ATSAS release 2.8, freely available for academic users from https://www.embl-hamburg.de/biosaxs/software.html.
RESUMO
Previous studies in women have shown that the antiprogestin mifepristone delays or inhibits folliculogenesis. The purpose of this study was to explore whether a new analogue, CDB-2914, has similar effects on folliculogenesis, ovulation, or on subsequent luteal phase endometrial maturation. Forty-four normally cycling, healthy women recorded urine LH and vaginal bleeding during pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment cycles. At a lead follicle diameter of 14-16 mm, a single oral dose (10, 50, 100 mg) of CDB-2914 or placebo was given, and daily ultrasound, oestradiol and progesterone were obtained until follicular collapse; an endometrial biopsy was obtained 5-7 days later. Single doses of CDB-2914 were well tolerated. Mid-follicular CDB-2914 suppressed lead follicle growth, causing a dose-dependent delay in folliculogenesis and suppression of plasma oestradiol. At higher doses, a new lead follicle was often recruited. Although luteinized unruptured follicles were observed at the 100 mg dose, all women had follicular collapse. There was a significant delay in endometrial maturation after CDB-2914 at all doses. The treatment cycle was lengthened by 1-2 weeks in 30% at 100, 27% at 50 and 9% at 10 mg. CDB-2914 altered ovarian and endometrial physiology without major effects on menstrual cyclicity and may have therapeutic utility.