Marche Polytechnic University

About: Marche Polytechnic University is a education organization based out in Ancona, Italy. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Prostate cancer. The organization has 5905 authors who have published 15769 publications receiving 382286 citations. The organization is also known as: Universitá Politecnica delle Marche & Universita Politecnica delle Marche.

Evidence for the presence of alpha1 adrenoceptor subtypes in the human ureter

Abstract: Aim Several studies have proposed a role for α1 adrenoceptors (ARs) in ureteral physiology, indicating that they are present in the ureter; however, few studies have been done to identify α1 AR subtypes present in this area. Thus, this study was carried out to characterize the α1 AR subtype gene and protein expression in proximal, medial, and distal region of the human ureter. Methods Molecular characterization of α1 AR subtypes were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. α1 AR protein expression was studied by saturation binding curves and by competition binding curves with selective antagonists. Analysis of data was performed using the GraphPad PRISM 4 software. Results Analysis of saturation binding curves revealed a heterogeneous distribution of α1 AR binding sites, the Bmax for the distal ureter was indeed 52.5 ± 5.4 fmol/mg prot, while a lower similar density of α1 ARs was demonstrated in the medial (25.2 ± 1.7 fmol/mg prot) and proximal (23.4 ± 0.4 fmol/mg prot) ureters. Molecular and pharmacological characterization of α1 AR subtypes indicated that each receptor was present, although with differences in terms of the amount expressed. Conclusions Human ureter was endowed with each α1 AR subtype, although α1D and α1A ARs were prevalent over α1B ARs. Radioligand binding results revealed that there were no significant differences in the Kd between ureteral regions, while a heterogeneous distribution of α1 AR binding sites was detected, with the highest density of α1 ARs in the distal ureter and a lower similar density in the medial and proximal ureters. Neurourol. Urodynam. 24:142–148, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cluster analysis for portfolio optimization

Abstract: We consider the problem of the statistical uncertainty of the correlation matrix in the optimization of a financial portfolio. We show that the use of clustering algorithms can improve the reliability of the portfolio in terms of the ratio between predicted and realized risk. Bootstrap analysis indicates that this improvement is obtained in a wide range of the parameters N (number of assets) and T (investment horizon). The predicted and realized risk level and the relative portfolio composition of the selected portfolio for a given value of the portfolio return are also investigated for each considered filtering method.

Role of NADPH Oxidases in Liver Fibrosis

Abstract: Significance: Hepatic fibrosis is the common pathophysiologic process resulting from chronic liver injury, characterized by the accumulation of an excessive extracellular matrix. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is a multicomponent enzyme complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to a wide range of stimuli. In addition to phagocytic NOX2, there are six nonphagocytic NOX proteins. Recent Advances: In the liver, NOX is functionally expressed both in the phagocytic form and in the nonphagocytic form. NOX-derived ROS contributes to various kinds of liver disease caused by alcohol, hepatitis C virus, and toxic bile acids. Recent evidence indicates that both phagocytic NOX2 and nonphagocytic NOX isoforms, including NOX1 and NOX4, mediate distinct profibrogenic actions in hepatic stellate cells, the main fibrogenic cell type in the liver. The critical role of NOX in hepatic fibrogenesis provides a rationale to assess pharmacological NOX inhibitors that treat hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. Critical Issues: Although there is compelling evidence indicating a crucial role for NOX-mediated ROS generation in hepatic fibrogenesis, little is known about the expression, subcellular localization, regulation, and redox signaling of NOX isoforms in specific cell types in the liver. Moreover, the exact mechanism of NOX-mediated fibrogenic signaling is still largely unknown. Future Directions: A better understanding through further research about NOX-mediated fibrogenic signaling may enable the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapy using NOX inhibition strategy. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 20, 2854–2872.