The effect of moisture during development on phenotypes of egg-laying reptiles: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The embryonic environment is critical for the development of many ectothermic vertebrates, which makes them highly vulnerable to environmental change. Changes in temperature and moisture, in particular, are known to influence embryo survival and offspring phenotypes. While most papers concerning phenotypic development of terrestrial ectotherms focus on the role of temperature on eggs and embryos, the comparatively small number of studies on the effects of substrate moisture are well suited for quantitative analysis aimed at guiding future research.

Corticosterone, lactate, and circulating leukocyte responses of free-ranging cottonmouth snakes (Agkistrodon piscivorus) vary with the duration and nature of the acute stressor.

Exposure to acute stressors can induce multiple physiological changes in vertebrates such as altering circulating hormone and enzyme levels as well as leukocyte counts, and interactions between endocrine and immune function may produce suites of physiological changes following acute stress. Previously, we showed that presence of human observers elicited only a weak elevation of plasma corticosterone levels in cottonmouths. Additional variables, however, must be considered to understand if changes in physiological parameters are highly generalized or vary among sexes or with context.

Assessing racial differences in time to subsequent treatment following androgen deprivation therapy among Veterans with prostate cancer.

Background: For metastatic and certain advanced prostate cancer (PC), guidelines support intensified androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as first-line (1L) systemic treatment for improved outcomes. However, some patients receive ADT alone, leading to tumor progression requiring 2nd line therapy. Despite significant racial disparities in PC outcomes, there are no population-level studies assessing racial differences in time to subsequent treatment after 1L ADT.

Mapping neural correlates of biological motion perception in autistic children using high-density diffuse optical tomography.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social communication deficits plus repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, currently affects 1/36 children in the general population. Recent advances in functional brain imaging show promise to provide useful biomarkers of ASD diagnostic likelihood, behavioral trait severity, and even response to therapeutic intervention. However, current gold-standard neuroimaging methods (e.