An updated reference genome sequence and annotation reveals gene losses and gains underlying naked mole-rat biology.

The naked mole-rat (NMR; ) is a eusocial subterranean rodent with a highly unusual set of physiological traits that has attracted great interest amongst the scientific community. However, the genetic basis of most of these traits has not been elucidated. To facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying NMR physiology and behaviour, we generated a long-read chromosomal-level genome assembly of the NMR.

Urological Examination Compared to Ultrasonography in Testicular Lump Assessment: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background General practitioners (GPs) often expedite indeterminate scrotal lumps for urological evaluation. While a scrotal examination by a urologist is crucial, ultrasound (US) has become a routine component of clinical assessment regardless of the clinical examination findings and the nature of the symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clinical examination compared to scrotal ultrasound, even when the suspicion of cancer was low.

How emergency departments are responding to the opioid crisis: Results from a statewide survey in Kentucky.

Objective: There is a rising effort for hospital emergency departments (EDs) to offer and expand substance use disorder (SUD) services. This state-wide evaluation studies SUD services offered along the continuum of implementation across Kentucky's EDs to inform future state efforts to build ED bridge programs.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study using an online survey of all Kentucky Emergency Department Directors between January and May of 2023.

Molecular Classification of Endometrial Cancers Using an Integrative DNA Sequencing Panel.

Background And Objectives: Adoption of molecular classification in endometrial cancer (EC) into clinical practice remains challenging due to complexity in coordination of multiple assays. We aimed to develop a simple molecular technique to classify ECs into four subgroups using our custom-designed targeted sequencing panel.

Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed ECs were prospectively recruited from three cancer centres in Ontario, Canada.

Mapping multi-dimensional variability in water stress strategies across temperate forests.

Increasing water stress is emerging as a global phenomenon, and is anticipated to have a marked impact on forest function. The role of tree functional strategies is pivotal in regulating forest fitness and their ability to cope with water stress. However, how the functional strategies found at the tree or species level scale up to characterise forest communities and their variation across regions is not yet well-established.