Gentrification drives patterns of alpha and beta diversity in cities.

While there is increasing recognition that social processes in cities like gentrification have ecological consequences, we lack nuanced understanding of the ways gentrification affects urban biodiversity. We analyzed a large camera trap dataset of mammals (>500 g) to evaluate how gentrification impacts species richness and community composition across 23 US cities. After controlling for the negative effect of impervious cover, gentrified parts of cities had the highest mammal species richness. Change in community composition was associated with gentrification in a few cities, which were mostly located along the West Coast. At the species level, roughly half (11 of 21 mammals) had higher occupancy in gentrified parts of a city, especially when impervious cover was low. Our results indicate that the impacts of gentrification extend to nonhuman animals, which provides further evidence that some aspects of nature in cities, such as wildlife, are chronically inaccessible to marginalized human populations.

Transcriptomic data of imbibed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds developed at different temperatures.

The present data profile a large scale transcriptome changes associated with variations in seed dormancy level induced by seed development temperature in hexaploid wheat. Seed dormancy is an important trait that inhibits seed germination under optimal conditions and therefore has important implication in preventing the incidence of preharvest sprouting, which refers to the germination of seeds on the mother plant prior to harvest, in wheat. Since preharvest sprouting, which causes a significant reduction in seed yield and quality in wheat, is closely associated with low level of seed dormancy manifested in modern wheat cultivars, it is important to develop wheat cultivars with optimal level of dormancy to enhance wheat yield and quality. Thus, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that regulate seed dormancy is critical for the development of preharvest sprouting resistant wheat cultivars. The data we are presenting here were generated from total RNA samples extracted from imbibed seeds of a dormant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotype that were developed at different temperatures using the Affymetrix GeneChip Wheat Genome Array. The raw and normalized formats of these data are deposited in the NCBI's gene expression data repository, Gene Expression Ominbus (GEO) with accession number GSE153527.

Urbanization, climate and species traits shape mammal communities from local to continental scales.

Human-driven environmental changes shape ecological communities from local to global scales. Within cities, landscape-scale patterns and processes and species characteristics generally drive local-scale wildlife diversity. However, cities differ in their structure, species pools, geographies and histories, calling into question the extent to which these drivers of wildlife diversity are predictive at continental scales. In partnership with the Urban Wildlife Information Network, we used occurrence data from 725 sites located across 20 North American cities and a multi-city, multi-species occupancy modelling approach to evaluate the effects of ecoregional characteristics and mammal species traits on the urbanization-diversity relationship. Among 37 native terrestrial mammal species, regional environmental characteristics and species traits influenced within-city effects of urbanization on species occupancy and community composition. Species occupancy and diversity were most negatively related to urbanization in the warmer, less vegetated cities. Additionally, larger-bodied species were most negatively impacted by urbanization across North America. Our results suggest that shifting climate conditions could worsen the effects of urbanization on native wildlife communities, such that conservation strategies should seek to mitigate the combined effects of a warming and urbanizing world.

Effect of the Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 5 Negative Allosteric Modulator Dipraglurant on Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients suffer not only from the primary motor symptoms of the disease but also from a range of non-motor symptoms (NMS) that cause disability and low quality of life. Excessive glutamate activity in the basal ganglia resulting from degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway has been implicated in the motor symptoms, NMS and dyskinesias in PD patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of a selective mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator (NAM), dipraglurant, in a rodent motor symptoms model of PD, but also in models of anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, all of which are among the most prevalent NMS symptoms. Dipraglurant is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and exhibits a high correlation between plasma concentration and efficacy in behavioral models. In vivo, dipraglurant dose-dependently reduced haloperidol-induced catalepsy, increased punished licks in the Vogel conflict-drinking model, decreased immobility time in the forced swim test, decreased the number of buried marbles in the marble-burying test, but had no effect on rotarod performance or locomotor activity. These findings suggest that dipraglurant may have benefits to address some of the highly problematic comorbid non-motor symptoms of PD, in addition to its antidyskinetic effect demonstrated in PD-LID patients.

Time and motion study of hepatitis C virus point-of-care testing in community pharmacies.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care (POC) testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is readily available for implementation in community pharmacies, but it is unknown how feasible administration of the tests would be in the current community pharmacy model. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to describe time associated with each step in a pharmacy HCV screening program and compare the results to influenza management in the pharmacy workflow. METHODS: For this time and motion study, the process was broken into 10 categories. A standardized patient was used for each location to accurately assess and compare the integration of HCV testing in the various workflows. Data were collected for each category during 2 random visits at each of 6 community pharmacies. Times were averaged, and a standard deviation calculated for each specific category. The data were then compared to previous time-in-motion values collected for influenza management. RESULTS: The average total time (patient identification to completion of visit) to complete the HCV POC test was 59 minutes 44 seconds (+/- 9:23). The average time that pharmacists and technicians actively spent with each patient was 10 minutes 23 seconds and 11 minutes 20 seconds, respectively. The average labor cost per patient for pharmacists and technicians were $11.55 and $3.75, respectively. CONCLUSION: The hands-on time requirements and workflow associated with offering HCV screening in a pharmacy using the Oraquick HCV rapid antibody test were similar to those noted with other pharmacy based POC testing services. Labor costs could be lessened by delegation of some non-clinical functions to a qualified pharmacy technician. We suggest an HCV rapid antibody test can be incorporated into pharmacy workflow with reasonable efficiency.

Patterns of vertebrate biodiversity in a tropical dry and mangrove forest matrix / Patrones de biodiversidad de vertebrados en una matriz de bosque seco tropical y manglar

Introduction: Tropical dry forests and mangroves, two of the world's most endangered ecosystems, each host a different set of environmental conditions which may support unique assemblages of species. However, few studies have looked at the unique vertebrate biodiversity in regions where both habitats occur side-by-side. Objective: To assess the vertebrate diversity and patterns of habitat usage in a mangrove and tropical dry forest matrix in an unprotected region of Northwestern Costa Rica. Methods: The study was conducted in a 7 km2 matrix of mangrove and tropical dry forests between Cabuyal and Zapotillal bays in Northwestern Costa Rica, south of Santa Rosa National Park. From September 2017 to March 2018, we used 13 automatic camera traps over 1 498 trap days to capture species utilizing the region and assess their patterns of habitat usage both spatially and temporally. Results: Seventy vertebrate species from 42 families in 27 orders were detected, including several globally threatened species. Over half of all species were detected in only one habitat, particularly amongst avian (78 %) and mammalian (42 %) species. Tropical dry forests hosted the greatest number of unique species and supported a greater percentage of herbivores than mangrove or edge habitats, which were dominated by carnivorous and omnivorous species. Mean detections per camera trap of all species increased significantly from the coldest and wettest month (Oct) to the hottest and driest months (Jan & Feb) in tropical dry forests. Sample-based rarefaction analysis revealed that survey length was sufficient to sample the tropical dry forest and edge habitats, though mangroves require further sampling. Conclusions: Taxa found to utilize different forest types may utilize each for different stages of their life cycle, moving between areas as environmental conditions change throughout the year. General patterns of global biodiversity favoring carnivore and omnivore usage of mangrove forests was confirmed in our study.

Introducción: Los bosques secos tropicales y los manglares, dos de los ecosistemas más amenazados del mundo, albergan cada uno un grupo de condiciones ambientales que pueden albergar conjuntos únicos de especies. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han analizado la biodiversidad única de vertebrados en regiones donde ambos hábitats se encuentran uno al lado del otro. Objetivo: Evaluar la diversidad de vertebrados y los patrones de uso del hábitat en una matriz de manglar y bosque seco tropical en una región no protegida del noroeste de Costa Rica. Métodos: El estudio se realizó en una matriz de 7 km2 de manglares y bosques secos tropicales en las bahías de Cabuyal y Zapotillal en el noroeste de Costa Rica, al sur del Parque Nacional Santa Rosa. De septiembre 2017 a marzo 2018, utilizamos 13 cámaras trampa automáticas durante 1 498 días trampa para capturar especies que utilizan la región y evaluar sus patrones de uso espacial y temporal del hábitat. Resultados: Se detectaron 70 especies de vertebrados de 42 familias y 27 órdenes, incluidas varias especies amenazadas a nivel mundial. Más de la mitad de todas las especies se encontraron en un solo hábitat, particularmente aves (78 %) y mamíferos (42 %). Los bosques secos tropicales albergan el mayor número de especies únicas y sustentan un mayor porcentaje de herbívoros que los hábitats de borde de manglares, que estaban dominados u hospedados por especies carnívoras y omnívoras. Las detecciones promedio por cámara trampa de todas las especies aumentaron significativamente desde el mes más frío y húmedo (octubre) hasta los meses más cálidos y secos (enero y febrero) en los bosques secos tropicales. El análisis de rarefacción basado en muestras reveló que la duración del estudio fue suficiente para muestrear los hábitats de bosque seco tropical y de borde, aunque los manglares requieren más muestreo. Conclusiones: Se encontró que los taxones pueden usar varios tipos de bosque en las diferentes etapas de su ciclo de vida, moviéndose entre áreas a medida que las condiciones ambientales cambian a lo largo del año. En nuestro estudio se confirmaron patrones generales de la biodiversidad global que favorecen el uso de los bosques de manglar por parte de carnívoros y omnívoros.

The Impact of Visiting Rotations on the Urology Residency Match: Insights and Perspectives From the 2021-2022 Applicants.

OBJECTIVE: To survey 2022 Urology Residency Match applicants on their away rotation experiences to better understand the impact of pandemic changes, including the one in-person away rotation limit, on interviews and match outcomes. METHODS: An anonymous post-match online survey was distributed to applicants of study-participating institutions. Data was prospectively collected regarding respondent demographics, away rotation experiences, interviews, utilization of preference signaling, and overall match outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 230 applicants completed the survey. Respondents prioritized geography (28.1%), program reputation (26.1%), and early notification (25.6%) as the top factors in determining whether to accept a rotation offer. The majority (93%) participated in a single away rotation, with nearly all respondents being offered a virtual interview from the program where they completed a visiting clerkship. Of those who declined away rotation offers, 56% were not offered an interview at the program they declined an offer from. The majority matched at either their home institution (20.8%), a program where they submitted a preference signal (22.2%), or a program where they completed an in-person away rotation (13%). Despite 46.3% of respondents reporting that their match outcome was negatively affected by the ability to rotate at only one away rotation, the majority were satisfied (70%) with their rotation selection based on match results. CONCLUSIONS: For applicants, participation in visiting rotations plays a significant role in the match process. Further research regarding mechanisms to optimize the away rotation application process is needed as the capacity to do visiting electives expands in the post-pandemic environment.

Transitioning a Practice to Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Correlated with Favorable Short-Term Clinical Outcomes-A Single Surgeon Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to evaluate the patient experience and short-term clinical outcomes associated with the hospital stay of patients who underwent robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These results were compared with a cohort of patients who underwent TKA without robotic assistance performed by the same surgeon prior to the introduction of this technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis by a single fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon over a 39-month period was identified. Patients who underwent TKA during the year that this surgeon transitioned his entire knee arthroplasty practice to robotic assistance were excluded to eliminate selection bias and control for the learning curve. All patients received the same prosthesis and postoperative pain protocol. Patients that required intubation for failed spinal anesthetic were excluded. A final population of 492 TKAs was identified. Of these, 290 underwent TKA without robotic assistance and 202 underwent robotic arm-assisted TKA. Patient demographic characteristics and short-term clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: Robotic arm-assisted TKA was associated with shorter length of stay (2.3 vs. 2.6 days, p < 0.001), a 50% reduction in morphine milligram equivalent utilization (from 214 to 103, p < 0.001), and a mean increase in procedure time of 9.3 minutes (p < 0.001). There was one superficial infection in the nonrobotic cohort and there were no deep postoperative infections in either cohort. There were no manipulations under anesthesia in the robotic cohort while there were six in the nonrobotic cohort. Additionally, there were no significant differences in emergency department visits, readmissions, or return to the operating room. CONCLUSION: This analysis corroborates existing literature suggesting that robotic arm-assisted TKA can be correlated with improved short-term clinical outcomes. This study reports on a single surgeon's experience with regard to analgesic requirements, length of stay, pain scores, and procedure time following a complete transition to robotic arm-assisted TKA. These results underscore the importance of continued evaluation of clinical outcomes as robotic arthroplasty technology continues to grow.

Hepatic Fat Reduction Due to Resmetirom in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Is Associated With Improvement of Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease associated with adverse clinical outcomes and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL). METHODS: Patients with biopsy-proven non-cirrhotic NASH with hepatic fat fraction of ≥10% by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction were enrolled in a phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of resmetirom. HRQL was assessed using Short Form-36 throughout 36 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five NASH patients were enrolled (50 ± 11 years old, 50% male, 94% white, body mass index 35 ± 6 kg/m2, 39% with diabetes mellitus). Of these, 84 patients received 80 mg of resmetirom daily, and 41 received placebo. At baseline, HRQL scores were not different from general population norms (Physical Component Summary [PCS] 47.9 ± 9.3 vs 50, Mental Component Summary 50.4 ± 10.0 vs 50; all P > .05). By treatment week 12, patients who received resmetirom experienced improvement of Bodily Pain and Short Form-6D utility scores (P < .05); no HRQL improvement was noted in placebo (all P > .05). Improvement in PCS continued up to week 36 of treatment with resmetirom, again with no improvement in placebo group (all P > .05). Adjusted for the baseline score and clinicodemographic confounders, meeting the endpoint of a decrease in proton density fat fraction of ≥30% by week 12 (met by 54 of 116 treatment completers; 47 of 54 on resmetirom) was independently associated with greater improvements in Physical Functioning and PCS scores at week 36 (P < .05). Patients with improvement in NASH and fibrosis on liver biopsy also showed improvement in components of HRQL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NASH treated who improved their hepatic fat fraction and/or Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score on serial liver biopsy experienced improvement of HRQL. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term sustainability of that improvement. CLINICALTRIALS: gov #NCT02912260.

Genome-wide SNP identification in Fraxinus linking genetic characteristics to tolerance of Agrilus planipennis.

Ash (Fraxinus spp.) is one of the most widely distributed tree genera in North America. Populations of ash in the United States and Canada have been decimated by the introduced pest Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae; emerald ash borer), having negative impacts on both forest ecosystems and economic interests. The majority of trees succumb to attack by A. planipennis, but some trees have been found to be tolerant to infestation despite years of exposure. Restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing was used to sequence ash individuals, both tolerant and susceptible to A. planipennis attack, in order to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) patterns related to tolerance and health declines. de novo SNPs were called using SAMtools and, after filtering criteria were implemented, a set of 17,807 SNPs were generated. Principal component analysis (PCA) of SNPs aligned individual trees into clusters related to geography; however, five tolerant trees clustered together despite geographic location. A subset of 32 outlier SNPs identified within this group, as well as a subset of 17 SNPs identified based on vigor rating, are potential candidates for the selection of host tolerance. Understanding the mechanisms of host tolerance through genome-wide association has the potential to restore populations with cultivars that are able to withstand A. planipennis infestation. This study was successful in using RAD-sequencing in order to identify SNPs that could contribute to tolerance of A. planipennis. This was a first step toward uncovering the genetic basis for host tolerance to A. planipennis. Future studies are needed to identify the functionality of the loci where these SNPs occur and how they may be related to tolerance of A. planipennis attack.

Wealth and urbanization shape medium and large terrestrial mammal communities.

Urban biodiversity provides critical ecosystem services and is a key component to environmentally and socially sustainable cities. However, biodiversity varies greatly within and among cities, leading to human communities with changing and unequal experiences with nature. The "luxury effect," a hypothesis that predicts a positive correlation between wealth, typically measured by per capita income, and species richness may be one indication of these inequities. While the luxury effect is well studied for some taxa, it has rarely been investigated for mammals, which provide unique ecosystem services (e.g., biological pest control) and exhibit significant potential for negative human-wildlife interactions (e.g., nuisances or conflicts). We analyzed a large dataset of mammal detections across 20 North American cities to test whether the luxury effect is consistent for medium- to large-sized terrestrial mammals across diverse urban contexts. Overall, support for the luxury effect, as indicated by per capita income, was inconsistent; we found evidence of a luxury effect in approximately half of our study cities. Species richness was, however, highly and negatively correlated with urban intensity in most cities. We thus suggest that economic factors play an important role in shaping urban mammal communities for some cities and species, but that the strongest driver of urban mammal diversity is urban intensity. To better understand the complexity of urban ecosystems, ecologists and social scientists must consider the social and political factors that drive inequitable human experiences with nature in cities.

Identification of loci for pre-harvest sprouting resistance in the highly dormant spring wheat RL4137.

KEY MESSAGE: Combination of RL4137 alleles at three QTLs on chromosomes 4A, 6B and 6D, and 'Roblin' allele at a novel QTL on chromosome 1D increases pre-harvest sprouting resistance in 'Roblin'/RL4137 doubled haploid population. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) significantly reduces wheat grain yield and quality. Therefore, identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PHS resistance is key to facilitate marker-assisted breeding. To this end, we studied PHS in a population of 330 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from 'Roblin'/RL4137. The parental and DH lines were examined for their PHS phenotype based on speed of germination index in five environments and genotyped using the wheat Infinium 90 K SNP array. A total of five QTLs were detected on linkage groups 1D, 4A.2, 6B.1, 6D and 7A over the five environments. The QTL QPhs.umb-4A on linkage group 4A.2 was the most consistent across all environments and explained 40-50% of phenotypic variation. The QTL on 1D is a novel QTL and explained 1.99-2.33% of phenotypic variation. The QTLs on 6B.1 and 6D each explained 3.09-4.33% and 1.62-2.45% of phenotypic variation, respectively. A combination of four stable QTLs on linkage groups 1D, 4A.2, 6B.1 and 6D greatly increased PHS resistance. Allelic effects for the QTLs QPhs.umb-4A, QPhs.umb-6B and QPhs.umb-6D were contributed by RL4137, whereas 'Roblin' contributed the resistant allele for QPhs.umb-1D. QPhs.umb-4A was required for strong dormancy in the 'Roblin'/RL4137 DH population, and the presence of QTLs QPhs.umb-1D, QPhs.umb-6B and QPhs.umb-6D incrementally increased dormancy; DH lines carrying all four QTLs are considerably more dormant than those carrying only QPhs.umb-4A or none of the four QTLs. Thus, the QTLs identified in this study have the potential to improve PHS resistance in spring wheat.

A shift in abscisic acid/gibberellin balance underlies retention of dormancy induced by seed development temperature.

Through a combination of physiological, pharmacological, molecular and targeted metabolomics approaches, we showed that retention of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed dormancy levels induced by low and high seed development temperatures during post-desiccation phases is associated with modulation of gibberellin (GA) level and seed responsiveness to abscisic acid (ABA) and GA via expression of TaABI5 and TaGAMYB, respectively. Dormancy retention during imbibition, however, is associated with modulations of both ABA level and responsiveness via expression of specific ABA metabolism (TaNCED2 and TaCYP707A1) and signalling (TaPYL2, TaSnRK2, TaABI3, TaABI4 and TaABI5) genes, and alterations of GA levels and responsiveness through expression of specific GA biosynthesis (TaGA20ox1, TaGA20ox2 and TaGA3ox2) and signalling (TaGID1 and TaGID2) genes, respectively. Expression patterns of GA signalling genes, TaRHT1 and TaGAMYB, lacked positive correlation with that of GA regulated genes and dormancy level observed in seeds developed at the two temperatures, implying their regulation at post-transcriptional level. Our results overall implicate that a shift in ABA/GA balance underlies retention of dormancy levels induced by seed development temperature during post-desiccation and imbibition phases. Consistently, genes regulated by ABA and GA during imbibition overlapped with those differentially expressed between imbibed seeds developed at the two temperatures and mediate different biological functions.

Large-scale connectivity, cryptic population structure, and relatedness in Eastern Pacific Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).

Endangered species are grouped into genetically discrete populations to direct conservation efforts. Mitochondrial control region (mtCR) haplotypes are used to elucidate deep divergences between populations, as compared to nuclear microsatellites that can detect recent structuring. When prior populations are unknown, it is useful to subject microsatellite data to clustering and/or ordination population inference. Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are the most abundant sea turtle, yet few studies have characterized olive ridley population structure. Recently, clustering results of olive ridleys in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean suggested weak structuring (F ST = 0.02) between Mexico and Central America. We analyzed mtCR haplotypes, new microsatellite genotypes from Costa Rica, and preexisting microsatellite genotypes from olive ridleys across the Eastern Tropical Pacific, to further explore population structuring in this region. We subjected inferred populations to multiple analyses to explore the mechanisms behind their structuring. We found 10 mtCR haplotypes from 60 turtles nesting at three sites in Costa Rica, but did not detect divergence between Costa Rican sites, or between Central America and Mexico. In Costa Rica, clustering suggested one population with no structuring, but ordination suggested four cryptic clusters with moderate structuring (F ST = 0.08, p < .001). Across the Eastern Tropical Pacific, ordination suggested nine cryptic clusters with moderate structuring (F ST = 0.103, p < .001) that largely corresponded to Mexican and Central American populations. All ordination clusters displayed significant internal relatedness relative to global relatedness (p < .001) and contained numerous sibling pairs. This suggests that broadly dispersed family lineages have proliferated in Eastern Tropical Pacific olive ridleys and corroborates previous work showing basin-wide connectivity and shallow population structure in this region. The existence of broadly dispersed kin in Eastern Tropical Pacific olive ridleys has implications for management of olive ridleys in this region, and adds to our understanding of sea turtle ecology and life history, particularly in light of the natal-homing paradigm.

Exploration of Environmental DNA (eDNA) to Detect Kirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii).

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys utilize DNA shed by organisms into their environment in order to detect their presence. This technique has proven effective in many systems for detecting rare or cryptic species that require high survey effort. One potential candidate for eDNA surveying is Kirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii), a small natricine endemic to the midwestern USA and threatened throughout its range. Due to its cryptic and fossorial lifestyle, it is also a notoriously difficult snake to survey, which has limited efforts to understand its ecology. Our goal was to utilize eDNA surveys for this species to increase detection probability and improve survey efficiency to assist future conservation efforts. We conducted coverboard surveys and habitat analyses to determine the spatial and temporal activity of snakes, and used this information to collect environmental samples in areas of high and low snake activity. In addition, we spiked artificial crayfish burrows with Kirtland's Snake feces to assess the persistence of eDNA under semi-natural conditions. A quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay using a hydrolysis probe was developed to screen the environmental samples for Kirtland's Snake eDNA that excluded closely related and co-occurring species. Our field surveys showed that snakes were found in the spring during the first of two seasons, and in areas with abundant grass, herbaceous vegetation, and shrubs. We found that eDNA declines within a week under field conditions in artificial crayfish burrows. In environmental samples of crayfish burrow water and sediment, soil, and open water, a single detection was found out of 380 samples. While there may be physicochemical and biological explanations for the low detection observed, characteristics of assay performance and sampling methodology may have also increased the potential for false negatives. We explored these outcomes in an effort to refine and advance the successful application of eDNA surveying in snakes and groundwater microhabitats.

Transcriptomic data during seed maturation in dormant and non-dormant genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The present data profiles a large scale transcriptome changes in seed tissues (embryo and endosperm) during maturation in dormant and non-dormant genotypes of hexaploid wheat. Seed dormancy is an adaptive trait that has a significant influence on the incidence of preharvest sprouting, which is referred to as the germination of grains on the spike prior to harvest, in wheat. Given that preharvest sprouting causes a substantial yield and quality losses, elucidation of the molecular features that regulate seed dormancy has a paramount significance in the development of preharvest sprouting resistant wheat cultivars. The data presented here was produced from total RNA/mRNA samples isolated from developing seeds of dormant and non-dormant wheat genotypes using the Affymetrix GeneChip Wheat Genome Array. The raw and normalized formats of these data are available in Gene Expression Ominbus (GEO), NCBI's gene expression data repository, with accession number GSE83077.

Systemic and tumor-directed therapy for oligometastatic prostate cancer: study protocol for a phase II trial for veterans with de novo oligometastatic disease.

BACKGROUND: The treatment paradigm for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) patients is evolving. PET/CT now offers improved sensitivity and accuracy in staging. Recent randomized trial data supports escalated hormone therapy, local primary tumor therapy, and metastasis-directed therapy. The impact of combining such therapies into a multimodal approach is unknown. This Phase II single-arm clinical trial sponsored and funded by Veterans Affairs combines local, metastasis-directed, and systemic therapies to durably render patients free of detectable disease off active therapy. METHODS: Patients with newly-diagnosed M1a/b prostate cancer (PSMA PET/CT staging is permitted) and 1-5 radiographically visible metastases (excluding pelvic lymph nodes) are undergoing local treatment with radical prostatectomy, limited duration systemic therapy for a total of six months (leuprolide, abiraterone acetate with prednisone, and apalutamide), metastasis-directed stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and post-operative fractionated radiotherapy if pT ≥ 3a, N1, or positive margins are present. The primary endpoint is the percent of patients achieving a serum PSA of < 0.05 ng/mL six months after recovery of serum testosterone ≥150 ng/dL. Secondary endpoints include time to biochemical progression, time to radiographic progression, time to initiation of alternative antineoplastic therapy, prostate cancer specific survival, health related quality-of-life, safety and tolerability. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first trial that tests a comprehensive systemic and tumor directed therapeutic strategy for patients with newly diagnosed oligometastatic prostate cancer. This trial, and others like it, represent the critical first step towards curative intent therapy for a patient population where palliation has been the norm. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03298087 (registration date: September 29, 2017).

Evaluation of Urology Residency Training and Perceived Resident Abilities in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences and potential deficiencies in urology residency training programs in the United States as they are perceived by residents/recent graduates and program directors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 45-question and 38-question survey was sent to chief residents/recent graduates and program directors, respectively, at all 120 US urology programs regarding prior medical education, urologic training curricula, and perceived surgical proficiency, among other topics. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 58% and 52% for residents and program directors, respectively. Responses regarding program characteristics (e.g., salary, vacation) and research training were similar between program directors and residents. However, their responses regarding skills training and subspecialty training (e.g., robotics and pediatrics) differed substantially. Program directors reported the availability of advanced skills trainers (robot-88%, laparoscopic-86%), whereas fewer residents felt they were available (robot 54% and laparoscopic 72%). The same discrepancies persisted with questions about subspecialty exposure (e.g., program directors reported 48% renal transplant experience vs. 13% reported by residents). Most residents felt comfortable performing essential urology procedures (e.g., cystoscopy/ureteroscopy, open nephrectomy). In contrast, the majority expressed a lack of confidence in performing unsupervised advanced minimally invasive procedures (e.g., laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy, endopyelotomy). Among the responding residents, 72% pursued fellowship training; nearly two-thirds of these residents chose to enter fellowship in order to overcome perceived training deficiencies. CONCLUSIONS: Program directors and residents have differing perceptions regarding the education and resources associated with US urology residency training programs. US graduates of urology residency programs express a perceived lack of confidence in several procedures that are commonly encountered in a general urologic practice.

Microarray dataset of after-ripening induced mRNA oxidation in wheat seeds.

The dataset presented here profiles oxidative modification of mRNAs in wheat seeds in response to after-ripening, a treatment that releases seeds from the state of dormancy. The level of dormancy in wheat seeds is closely associated with preharvest sprouting, defined as the germination of seeds while they are on the mother plant, which negatively affects wheat yield and quality. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the control of seed dormancy is critical for improving the tolerance of wheat seeds to preharvest sprouting. The dataset were generated using oxidized mRNA samples derived from three independent biological replicates of dormant and after-ripened (non-dormant) wheat seeds and a microarray based experimental procedures that involved the use of Affymetrix GeneChip Wheat Genome Array. The raw and normalized data are available in NCBI׳s Gene Expression Ominbus (GEO) database with accession number GSE41949, and a related research article has been published in Plant Biotechnology Journal (Gao et al., 2013).