Asymmetric Male Mating Success in Lek-Breeding .

Mate choice is the attempt of an individual to gain higher reproductive fitness by preferring to mate with some individuals and not with others. We studied the role of mate choice in the mating system of the neotropical toad by assessing male reproductive tactics for mate acquisition and the contribution of female choice for pair formation. In a shallow pond in central Argentina, we estimated male mating success and the corresponding reproductive tactics by focal observation.

Crucial Business Model Elements for Medical Device Startup Companies in Emerging Markets.

Objectives: Medical devices that suit the needs and challenges of low- and middle-income countries are desperately needed. To provide sustainable access to such devices, business approaches must be developed to meet the demands of individual economic, healthcare, and innovation ecosystems. Currently, there is a gap in the literature regarding business models for medical devices in low- and middle-income countries.

Rapid improvement in symptoms and physical function following ibrutinib initiation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the associated changes in plasma cytokines.

A prospective pilot study was carried out on 34 CLL patients treated with ibrutinib, evaluating the effects on symptoms and physical function with changes in plasma exosomes (EXs), β2-microglobulin (β2M) and 26 plasma cytokines. The revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS-R) demonstrated moderate fatigue, shortness of breath and a sense of unwellness before treatment, which significantly improved within 2 weeks of starting ibrutinib. These changes were associated with a rapid improvement in sit-to-stand and 4 m walking speeds.

Transcriptional Modulation by Idelalisib Synergizes with Bendamustine in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

The phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) δ inhibitor, idelalisib (IDE), is a potent inhibitor of the B-cell receptor pathway and a novel and highly effective agent for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We evaluated the activities of IDE in comparison to bendamusine (BEN), a commonly used alkylating agent, in primary CLL cells ex vivo. In contrast to BEN, IDE was cytotoxic to cells from extensively-treated patients, including those with a deletion (del)17p.