Local and landscape environmental heterogeneity drive ant community structure in temperate seminatural upland grasslands.

Environmental heterogeneity is an important driver of ecological communities. Here, we assessed the effects of local and landscape spatial environmental heterogeneity on ant community structure in temperate seminatural upland grasslands of Central Germany. We surveyed 33 grassland sites representing a gradient in elevation and landscape composition.

Livestock density affects species richness and community composition of butterflies: A nationwide study.

Extensively managed grasslands are globally recognized for their high biodiversity value. Over the past century, a continuous loss and degradation of grassland habitats has been observed across Europe that is mainly attributable to agricultural intensification and land abandonment. Particularly insects have suffered from the loss of grassland habitats due to land-use change and the decrease in habitat quality, either due to an increase in livestock density, higher mowing frequency, and an increase in nitrogen fertilization, or by abandonment.

Beyond the Boundaries: Exploring the Identity-Related Experiences of Biracial/Multiracial and Bisexual Adults.

Most prior bisexual research takes a monolithic approach to racial identity, and existing racial/ethnic minority research often overlooks bisexuality. Consequently, previous studies have rarely examined the experiences and unique health needs of biracial/multiracial and bisexual individuals. This exploratory qualitative study investigated the identity-related experiences of biracial/multiracial and bisexual adults within the context of health and well-being.

p53 status in the primary tumor predicts efficacy of subsequent abiraterone and enzalutamide in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: We tested whether tissue-based analysis of p53 and PTEN genomic status in primary tumors is predictive for subsequent sensitivity to abiraterone and enzalutamide in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 309 consecutive patients with CRPC treated with abiraterone or enzalutamide. Of these, 101 men (33%) had available primary tumor tissue for analysis.

Analytic, Preanalytic, and Clinical Validation of p53 IHC for Detection of Missense Mutation in Prostate Cancer.

missense mutations may help to identify prostate cancer with lethal potential. Here, we preanalytically, analytically, and clinically validated a robust IHC assay to detect subclonal and focal missense mutations in prostate cancer. The p53 IHC assay was performed in a CLIA-accredited laboratory on the Ventana Benchmark immunostaining system.

The Hamilton SPE Evaluation Tool (HSET): is it any good?

Presents the Hamilton Supervised Pastoral Evaluation Tool (HSET). HSET is a self-report that evaluates student learning in a basic SPE unit utilizing six areas: supervisory relationship, personal growth, professional growth, theological reflection, learning context, and overall growth. Reviews statistics involving seven regional units consisting of 18 SPE units with 101 students.

[Sigmoido-vesical fistula: a rare cause of hematuria].

A rare case of sigmoido-vesical fistula manifested clinically by dysuria and haematuria is presented. The diagnostic difficulties caused by incorrect sequence of image diagnostics is emphasized.

The detection & management of deep venous thrombosis.

DVT is a serious health hazard that requires early detection and careful management. Noninvasive diagnostic testing provides an accurate method of diagnosis, which is especially useful in patients with easily identifiable risk factors. Noninvasive venous diagnostic testing used in an office practice is a safe and accurate method to determine the extent of venous disease.

A comparison of the potencies and activities of progestogens used in contraceptives.

The potencies and activities of six progestational agents, norethindrone, levonorgestrel, desogestrel, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), progesterone (P) and norgestimate have been evaluated using standard laboratory bioassays. The endocrine activities measured are those most closely related to the clinically important actions of contraceptives. Relative potencies varied with parameter measured, route of administration and species showing clearly that each progestogen is a distinct pharmacological entity.

Sensitivity differences in reproductive/endocrine organs to chronically administered LHRH agonists in female rats.

The acute and chronic effects of two LHRH agonists on reproductive endocrine target organs were examined in female rats. Animals were injected twice daily with [(ImBzl)-D-His6,Pro9-NEt]LHRH (histrelin) or [D-Trp6,Pro9-NEt]LHRH for 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 or 28 days at 1, 10, 100 or 1000 micrograms/kg/day beginning in the luteal phase. The responses observed with the two agonists were similar.

Potency and activity variation of LHRH analogs in different models and species.

The LHRH agonist [D-His(Bzl)6, Pro9-NHEt]LHRH was estimated to be 3.4, 4.4 and 9.