Fruit resources shape sexual selection processes in a lek mating system.

The degree to which within-population variation in sexual trait expression relates to resource heterogeneity remains poorly explored. This is particularly true in lek-mating species, where genetic explanations for male phenotypic variance and mating success are dominant. Here, we demonstrate a link between fine-scale fruit resource availability and indices of male mating success in the white-bearded manakin (), a lek-mating frugivorous bird that produces energetically costly courtship displays.

Vaccine-induced humoral response of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 against BA.1, BA.5, and XBB.1.5. (sub)variants 6 months after a homologous booster: is immunogenicity equivalent?

Introduction: Some studies suggest that the monovalent mRNA-1273 vaccine is more effective than BNT162b2 in producing higher levels of antibodies. However, limited data are available, and the methods used are not directly comparable.

Material And Methods: Blood samples were obtained before the booster (third dose) and after 14, 90, and 180 days in two similar cohorts who received the original BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccine designed to target wild type SARS-CoV-2.

Neutralizing antibody response to XBB.1.5, BA.2.86, FL.1.5.1, and JN.1 six months after the BNT162b2 bivalent booster.

Objectives: An increase evasion of the SARS-CoV-2 virus toward vaccination strategies and natural immunity has been rapidly described notably because of the mutations in the spike receptor binding domain and the N-terminal domain.

Methods: Participants of the CRO-VAX HCP study who received the bivalent booster were followed up at 6 months. A pseudovirus-neutralization test was used to assess the neutralization potency of antibodies against D614G, Delta, BA.

Impact of sexual function domains on sexual satisfaction and quality of life: Importance across the age spectrum.

Background: Sexual satisfaction is an important component of global quality life for many adult men. Substantial gaps exist in our appreciation of how age mediates sexual satisfaction in the context of functional sexual measures. We sought to evaluate modifiable factors associated with overall sexual satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a large, age-stratified community-based sample of adult men.

Reassessment of dextran sulfate in anti-Xa assay for unfractionated heparin laboratory monitoring.

Background: Anti-Xa assays are used for unfractionated heparin (UFH) monitoring. Dextran sulfate (DS) is used in some assays to overcome the artifactual preanalytical release of platelet factor 4. However, the practical implications of this test modification have not been studied extensively.

Durability of humoral and cellular immunity six months after the BNT162b2 bivalent booster.

Studies about the duration of the humoral and cellular response following the bivalent booster administration are still scarce. We aimed at assessing the humoral and cellular response in a cohort of healthcare workers that received this booster. Blood samples were collected before the administration of the bivalent booster from Pfizer-BioNTech and after 14, 28, 90, and 180 days.

Nonopioid Pain Management Pathways for Stone Disease.

New opioid dependency after urologic surgery is a serious adverse outcome that is well-described in the literature. Patients with stone disease often require multiple procedures because of recurrence of disease and hence are at greater risk for repeat opioid exposures. Despite this, opioid prescribing after urologic surgery remains highly variable and in an emergency setting, opioids are still used commonly in management of acute renal colic.

Application of analytical performance specifications for urine test strip methods: Importance of reflectance signals.

Introduction: Urinalysis is essential for diagnosing kidney-related medical conditions. Urine test strip analysis serves as an initial and efficient screening method for reflex testing with accurate quantitative methods.

Materials And Methods: Freshly voided urines (n = 206) were analysed using two urine test strip brands on UC-MAX (Menarini) and cobas u 601 (Roche Diagnostics) instruments.

The Role of Alumni Networks and Career Advising in Early Career Stability of Urologists: Results of a Multi-institutional Study.

Objective: To characterize training program and early career factors that impact decision-making and job retention following graduation in a diverse population of urologists.

Materials And Methods: We performed a computer-based survey distributed to residency graduates from 25 urology training programs. Five focus institutions were identified with a goal >30% response rate.

Peri-infection titers of neutralizing and binding antibodies as a predictor of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in vaccinated healthcare professionals: importance of the timing.

Objectives: The BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine is highly effective in reducing COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death. However, many subjects developed a breakthrough infection despite a full vaccination scheme. Since the waned efficacy of mRNA vaccines is correlated with the decrease of antibodies occurring over time, we aimed at evaluating whether lower levels of antibodies were associated with an increased risk of breakthrough infection in a cohort of breakthrough subjects that received three vaccine doses.

Patient-Reported Financial Toxicity Associated With Management of Nephrolithiasis.

Objective: To characterize stone-related financial burden among adults with nephrolithiasis through validated questionnaires for financial toxicity.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of adults with history of nephrolithiasis at an outpatient clinic. The survey contained a measure of stone-related financial toxicity (COST score), and assessed demographics, stone event history, and burden of overall, ancillary, preventative, and insurance costs.

The Financial Burden of Nephrolithiasis and Predictors of Disease-specific Financial Toxicity.

Objective: To characterize stone-related financial toxicity among US adults with kidney stones through validated questionnaires for financial toxicity and disease-specific health-related quality of life.

Materials And Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of adults with kidney stone disease from the general population ascertained through a national registry of volunteers (ResearchMatch). A computer-based survey queried stone event history and related costs for medical care, disease-specific quality of life (WISQOL), and an 11-item measure of stone-related financial toxicity (COST-11 score).

Variability among commercial batches of normal pooled plasma in lupus anticoagulant testing.

Introduction: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing requires normal pooled plasma (NPP) in performing mixing studies and can be used for normalized ratios of clotting times (CTs). The aims were to demonstrate whether significant differences in clotting times between two batches of a same commercial NPP (CRYOcheck™) directly affect NPP-based cut-off values.

Methods: Diluted Russell Viper venom time (DRVVT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were used for LA testing.

Use of prescribed psychotropic drugs among medical students and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The worldwide prevalences of anxiety and depressive disorders are 3.6% and 4.4%, respectively.

How a Large Academic Training Program Influences Early Career Decision-making and Employment Stability in Urology.

Objective: To characterize training and practice factors that influence early career stability and satisfaction in urology residency and fellowship graduates.

Methods: A computer-based survey was distributed to residency and fellowship graduates from a single, large US training program from 1992 to 2015. Queries encompassed training program specifics, post-training practice characteristics, and a validated burnout assessment.