Locating Nesting Sites for Critically Endangered Galápagos Pink Land Iguanas (Conolophus marthae).

Invasive alien species control is recognized worldwide as a priority action to preserve global biodiversity. However, a lack of general life history knowledge for threatened species can impede the effectiveness of conservation actions. Galápagos pink land iguanas (Conolophus marthae) are endemic to Wolf Volcano, Galápagos, Ecuador. These iguanas are threatened by invasive alien species, particularly feral cats, that may affect their small population size. To guarantee the long-term survival of C. marthae, the Galápagos National Park Directorate is considering, along with an ongoing campaign of feral cat control, the implementation of a head-start program. However, the success of this management strategy necessarily relies on the identification of pink iguana nesting grounds, which were still unknown at the onset of this study. We modeled the movement patterns of male and female iguanas during the reproductive season, using location data collected from custom-made remote tracking devices installed on adult pink iguanas in April 2021. We first calculated for each individual the vector of distances from its starting location, which was defined as net displacement. We then used net displacement as the response variable in a generalized additive mixed model with day of the year as the predictor. Based on the hypothesis that males and females may behaviorally differ after mating, we looked for female-specific migratory behavior suggesting females were moving toward nesting areas. The results obtained confirmed our hypothesis, as females exhibited a distinct migratory behavior, reaching a small plateau area inside of Wolf Volcano's caldera and ca. 400 m below the volcano's northern rim. Moreover, once inside the caldera, females displayed a more aggregated distribution pattern. The movement data obtained allowed Galápagos National Park rangers to locate individual pink iguana nests and subsequently to sight and collect the first observed hatchlings of the species. This work constitutes a necessary baseline to perform dedicated studies of pink iguana nests and emerging hatchling iguanas, which is an essential step toward the development of an effective head-start program.

Stone decision engine accurately predicts stone removal and treatment complications for shock wave lithotripsy and laser ureterorenoscopy patients.

Kidney stones form when mineral salts crystallize in the urinary tract. While most stones exit the body in the urine stream, some can block the ureteropelvic junction or ureters, leading to severe lower back pain, blood in the urine, vomiting, and painful urination. Imaging technologies, such as X-rays or ureterorenoscopy (URS), are typically used to detect kidney stones. Subsequently, these stones are fragmented into smaller pieces using shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or laser URS. Both treatments yield subtly different patient outcomes. To predict successful stone removal and complication outcomes, Artificial Neural Network models were trained on 15,126 SWL and 2,116 URS patient records. These records include patient metrics like Body Mass Index and age, as well as treatment outcomes obtained using various medical instruments and healthcare professionals. Due to the low number of outcome failures in the data (e.g., treatment complications), Nearest Neighbor and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) models were implemented to improve prediction accuracies. To reduce noise in the predictions, ensemble modeling was employed. The average prediction accuracies based on Confusion Matrices for SWL stone removal and treatment complications were 84.8% and 95.0%, respectively, while those for URS were 89.0% and 92.2%, respectively. The average prediction accuracies for SWL based on Area-Under-the-Curve were 74.7% and 62.9%, respectively, while those for URS were 77.2% and 78.9%, respectively. Taken together, the approach yielded moderate to high accurate predictions, regardless of treatment or outcome. These models were incorporated into a Stone Decision Engine web application (http://peteranoble.com/webapps.html) that suggests the best interventions to healthcare providers based on individual patient metrics.

Hand grab or noose pole? Evaluating the least stressful practice for capture of endangered Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas Cyclura carinata.

As the analysis of blood metabolites has become more readily accessible thanks to the use of point-of-care analyzers, it is now possible to evaluate stress level of wild animals directly in the field. Lactate is receiving much attention as a good stress level proxy in individuals subjected to capture, manual restraint, and data sampling in the wild, and appropriate protocols to maintain lactate values low should be preferred. In this study we compare how two different capture methodologies, hand grab vs. noose pole, affect the variation of blood lactate values in Cyclura carinata iguanas when captured for sampling. We used blood lactate concentration, measured immediately upon- and 15 min after-capture, as a proxy for stress level. While the primary goal of this work is to determine the least stressful capture methodology to be favored when sampling this and other wild iguanas, we also evaluated additional baseline physiological parameters relevant to the health and disease monitoring for this species. Our results show that while initial lactate values level-out in sampled individuals after 15 min in captivity, regardless of the capture methodology, rock iguanas captured by noose pole showed significantly higher lactate concentration and increased heartbeat rate immediately after capture. While the overall health evaluation determined that all analyzed individuals were in good health, based on our results we recommend that, when possible, hand capture should be preferred over noose pole when sampling wild individuals.

Phylogenomics and historical biogeography of West Indian Rock Iguanas (genus Cyclura).

The genus Cyclura includes nine extant species and six subspecies of West Indian Rock Iguanas and is one of the most imperiled genera of squamate reptiles globally. An understanding of species diversity, evolutionary relationships, diversification, and historical biogeography in this group is crucial for implementing sound long-term conservation strategies. We collected DNA samples from 1 to 10 individuals per taxon from all Cyclura taxa (n = 70 ingroup individuals), focusing where possible on incorporating individuals from different populations of each species. We also collected 1-2 individuals from each of seven outgroup species of iguanas (Iguana delicatissima; five Ctenosaura species) and Anolis sagrei (n = 12 total outgroup individuals). We used targeted genomic sequence capture to isolate and to sequence 1,872 loci comprising of 687,308 base pairs (bp) from each of the 82 individuals from across the nuclear genome. We extracted mitochondrial reads and assembled and annotated mitogenomes for all Cyclura taxa plus outgroup species. We present well-supported phylogenomic gene tree/species tree analyses for all extant species of Cyclura using ASTRAL-III, SVDQuartets, and StarBEAST2 methods, and discuss the taxonomic, biogeographic, and conservation implications of these data. We find a most recent common ancestor of the genus 9.91 million years ago. The earliest divergence within Cyclura separates C. pinguis from a clade comprising all other Cyclura. Within the latter group, a clade comprising C. carinata from the southern Lucayan Islands and C. ricordii from Hispaniola is the sister taxon to a clade comprising the other Cyclura. Among the other Cyclura, the species C. cornuta and C. stejnegeri (from Hispaniola and Isla Mona) form the sister taxon to a clade of species from Jamaica (C. collei), Cuba and Cayman Islands (C. nubila and C. lewisi), and the eastern (C. rileyi) and western (C. cychlura) Lucayan Islands. Cyclura cychlura and C. rileyi form a clade whose sister taxa are C. nubila and C. lewisi. Cyclura collei is the sister taxon to these four species combined.

Conservation of a flagship species: Health assessment of the pink land iguana, Conolophus marthae.

The pink land iguana, Conolophus marthae, is one of four species of iguanas (three terrestrial and one marine) in the Galápagos Islands, and the only one listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. The species can only be found on the north-west slopes of the highest volcano on Isabela Island and was first described to science in 2009. As part of a population telemetry study, a health assessment was authorized by the Galápagos National Park. Wild adult iguanas were captured on Wolf Volcano in September 2019 and April 2021 to record morphological and physiological parameters including body temperature, heart rate, intraocular pressures, tear formation, and infrared iris images. Blood samples were also collected and analyzed. An i-STAT portable blood analyzer was used to obtain values for base excess in the extracellular fluid compartment (BEecf), glucose (Glu), hematocrit (HctPCV), hemoglobin (Hb), ionized calcium (iCa), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), percent oxygen saturation (sO2%), pH, potassium (K), and sodium (Na). When possible, data were compared to previously published and available data for the other Galápagos iguanas. The results reported here provide baseline values that will be useful in detecting changes in health status among pink land iguanas affected by climate change, invasive species, anthropogenic threats, or natural disturbances. The collected data also provide an invaluable resource for conservation scientists planning to implement conservation strategies, like translocations, that may temporarily alter these baseline values.

Demineralization and sectioning of human kidney stones: A molecular investigation revealing the spatial heterogeneity of the stone matrix.

The molecular mechanisms by which kidney stones grow are largely unknown. Organic molecules from the urine combine with mineral crystals to form stones, but analysis of the stone matrix has revealed over a thousand different proteins, with no clues as to which are important for stone growth. Molecules that are present in every layer of a stone would be candidates for having an essential function, and thus the analysis of the stone matrix at a microscopic level is necessary. For this purpose, kidney stones were demineralized, sectioned, stained, and imaged by microscopy, using micro CT for precise orientation. Histological staining demonstrated heterogeneity in the density of adjacent layers within stones. Additional results also showed brilliant and unique autofluorescence patterns in decalcified nephroliths, indicating heterogeneous organic composition in adjacent layers. Regions of calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones were dissected using laser microdissection (LMD) for protein analysis. LMD of broad regions of demineralized CaOx stone sections yielded the same proteins as those found in different specimens of pulverized CaOx stones. These innovative methodologies will allow spatial mapping of protein composition within the heterogeneous stone matrix. Proteins that consistently coincide spatially with mineral deposition would be candidates for molecules essential for stone growth. This kind of analysis will be required to assess which of the thousand proteins in the stone matrix may be fundamental for stone growth.

Chemical signatures of femoral pore secretions in two syntopic but reproductively isolated species of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus marthae and C. subcristatus).

The only known population of Conolophus marthae (Reptilia, Iguanidae) and a population of C. subcristatus are syntopic on Wolf Volcano (Isabela Island, Galápagos). No gene flow occurs suggesting that effective reproductive isolating mechanisms exist between these two species. Chemical signature of femoral pore secretions is important for intra- and inter-specific chemical communication in squamates. As a first step towards testing the hypothesis that chemical signals could mediate reproductive isolation between C. marthae and C. subcristatus, we compared the chemical profiles of femoral gland exudate from adults caught on Wolf Volcano. We compared data from three different years and focused on two years in particular when femoral gland exudate was collected from adults during the reproductive season. Samples were processed using Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). We identified over 100 different chemical compounds. Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (nMDS) was used to graphically represent the similarity among individuals based on their chemical profiles. Results from non-parametric statistical tests indicate that the separation between the two species is significant, suggesting that the chemical profile signatures of the two species may help prevent hybridization between C. marthae and C. subcristatus. Further investigation is needed to better resolve environmental influence and temporal reproductive patterns in determining the variation of biochemical profiles in both species.

Conditional female strategies influence hatching success in a communally nesting iguana.

The decision of females to nest communally has important consequences for reproductive success. While often associated with reduced energetic expenditure, conspecific aggregations also expose females and offspring to conspecific aggression, exploitation, and infanticide. Intrasexual competition pressures are expected to favor the evolution of conditional strategies, which could be based on simple decision rules (i.e., availability of nesting sites and synchronicity with conspecifics) or on a focal individual's condition or status (i.e., body size). Oviparous reptiles that reproduce seasonally and provide limited to no postnatal care provide ideal systems for disentangling social factors that influence different female reproductive tactics from those present in offspring-rearing environments. In this study, we investigated whether nesting strategies in a West Indian rock iguana, Cyclura nubila caymanensis, vary conditionally with reproductive timing or body size, and evaluated consequences for nesting success. Nesting surveys were conducted on Little Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies for four consecutive years. Use of high-density nesting sites was increasingly favored up to seasonal nesting activity peaks, after which nesting was generally restricted to low-density nesting areas. Although larger females were not more likely than smaller females to nest in high-density areas, larger females nested earlier and gained access to priority oviposition sites. Smaller females constructed nests later in the season, apparently foregoing investment in extended nest defense. Late-season nests were also constructed at shallower depths and exhibited shorter incubation periods. While nest depth and incubation length had significant effects on reproductive outcomes, so did local nest densities. Higher densities were associated with significant declines in hatching success, with up to 20% of egg-filled nests experiencing later intrusion by a conspecific. Despite these risks, nests in high-density areas were significantly more successful than elsewhere due to the benefits of greater chamber depths and longer incubation times. These results imply that communal nest sites convey honest signals of habitat quality, but that gaining and defending priority oviposition sites requires competitive ability.

Heterozygosity-Fitness Correlations Reveal Inbreeding Depression in Neonatal Body Size in a Critically Endangered Rock Iguana.

Inbreeding depression, though challenging to identify in nature, may play an important role in regulating the dynamics of small and isolated populations. Conversely, greater expression of genetic load can enhance opportunities for natural selection. Conditional expression concentrates these opportunities for selection and may lead to failure of detection. This study investigates the possibility for age-dependent expression of inbreeding depression in a critically endangered population of rock iguanas, Cyclura nubila caymanensis. We employ heterozygote-fitness correlations to examine the contributions of individual genetic factors to body size, a fitness-related trait. Nonsignificant reductions in homozygosity (up to 7%) were detected between neonates and individuals surviving past their first year, which may reflect natural absorption of inbreeding effects by this small, fecund population. The majority of variation in neonate body size was attributed to maternal or environmental effects (i.e., clutch identity and incubation length); however, heterozygosity across 22 microsatellite loci also contributed significantly and positively to model predictions. Conversely, effects of heterozygosity on fitness were not detectable when adults were examined, suggesting that inbreeding depression in body size may be age dependent in this taxon. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of taking holistic, cross-generational approaches to genetic monitoring of endangered populations.

Genetic structure at three spatial scales is consistent with limited philopatry in Ricord's Rock Iguanas (Cyclura ricordii).

Cyclura ricordii is an endemic iguana from Hispaniola Island and is threatened on the IUCN Red List. The main threats are predation by introduced mammals, habitat destruction, and hunting pressure. The present study focused on two nesting sites from Pedernales Province in the Dominican Republic. The hypothesis that natal philopatry influences dispersal and nest-site selection was tested. Monitoring and sampling took place in 2012 and 2013. Polymorphic markers were used to evaluate whether natal philopatry limits dispersal at multiple spatial scales. Ripley's K revealed that nests were significantly clustered at multiple scales, when both nesting sites were considered and within each nesting site. This suggests a patchy, nonrandom distribution of nests within nest sites. Hierarchical AMOVA revealed that nest-site aggregations did not explain a significant portion of genetic variation within nesting sites. However, a small but positive correlation between geographic and genetic distance was detected using a Mantel's test. Hence, the relationship between geographic distance and genetic distance among hatchlings within nest sites, while detectable, was not strong enough to have a marked effect on fine-scale genetic structure. Spatial and genetic data combined determined that the nesting sites included nesting females from multiple locations, and the hypothesis of "natal philopatry" was not supported because females nesting in the same cluster were no more closely related to each other than to other females from the same nesting site. These findings imply that nesting aggregations are more likely associated with cryptic habitat variables contributing to optimal nesting conditions.

No Effect of Music on Anxiety and Pain During Transrectal Prostate Biopsies: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ambient music on anxiety and pain in men undergoing prostate biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2015 and June 2016, men undergoing office transrectal prostate biopsy at our institution were randomly assigned to music (n = 85) or control (n = 97) groups. We examined clinical characteristics, pathologic variables, and baseline anxiety using the Trait Instrument of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Primary outcomes included anxiety assessed by State Instrument of STAI (STAI-S) and pain using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the music and control groups, including median age, prostate-specific antigen, use of magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsies, or Trait Instrument of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The majority (93%) of patients indicated they desired music in their prebiopsy survey. There were no significant differences in STAI-S (33.7 ± 8.9 vs 34.4 ± 9.9, P = .6), pain score (2.3 ± 2.1 vs 2.0 ± 2.1, P = .3), or vital signs between the music and control groups, respectively. There were also no differences in STAI-S, visual analog scale, or vital signs between groups when stratified by age, prostate-specific antigen, or number of previous biopsies. Men who received music were more likely to request music for future prostate biopsy, compared to men who did not (93% vs 83%, P = .07, respectively). CONCLUSION: This randomized study showed no difference in anxiety or pain scores for patients who had ambient music during transrectal prostate biopsy. Future studies are needed to discern the influence of details including method of music delivery, music type, and utilization of adjunct relaxation tools.

A Novel Technique to Improve the Processing of Minute Ureteroscopic Biopsies.

To examine the ability of a new specimen handling technique to improve histopathological yield of ureteroscopic biopsies, performed in patients with suspected upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). In a bi-center retrospective study we compared the results of the new tissue handling technique (group 1) with the standard technique (group 2). In the new technique, to achieve maximal tissue preservation, the specimen is mounted on filter paper prior to embedding in paraffin. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine which factors are associated with optimal histological results. We further compared the biopsies with the final specimen in a subgroup of patients who underwent nephroureterectomy (NU). Of 55 ureteroscopic biopsies, 1 biopsy from group 1 (new technique) and 3 biopsies from group 2 (standard technique) were inadequate for pathological examination. 51 UTUC specimens were analyzed. Tumor grade and stage were determined in 85% and 63% of the patients in group 1 and in 83% and 25% of group 2 (p=0.85 and p=0.007). Orientation was preserved in 82% of group 1 and 42% of group 2 (p=0.003). On multivariate analysis biopsy technique and biopsy diameter were found to predict stage determination (p=0.01 and p=0.007) and tissue orientation (p=0.005 and p=0.04). Among patients who underwent NU, stage concordance between the biopsy and final pathology was observed in 56% and 27% of the patients in group 1 and 2, respectively. The new processing technique for small UTUC forceps biopsies decreases the rate of biopsies with insufficient material and improves biopsy interpretation.

Hounsfield Units for nephrolithiasis: predictive power for the clinical urologist.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to determine the optimal method for measuring Hounsfield Units (HU) of calculi for the clinical urologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a single institution prospective study from 2014-2015 for 125 consecutive patients. Demographics, baseline characteristics, imaging, and stone analysis were collected. CT scanners and settings were heterogeneous. Hounsfield units were measured by use of ellipsoid tool and free hand outline by two independent urology graders using Philips iSite PACs. RESULTS: Stone analysis demonstrated 26 pure calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones, 15 pure calcium phosphate (CaP) stones, and 7 uric acid stones, among other mixed types. Excellent agreement was notable amongst the two graders for ellipsoid and free hand grading, and values were consistent with those previously published with other methods. Mean grades for free-hand versus ellipse differed overall (p = 0.006) as ellipsoid HU measurement was consistently higher than free-hand measurement by an average of 107 units. Either method could differentiate between uric acid stones and any calcium containing stone (p ≤ 0.05). The free-hand method demonstrated statistical difference between pure calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones (p = 0.03). Applying either method took less than 6 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: For urologists lacking HU on their radiology reports, free hand or ellipsoid measurement may quickly provide an additional tool to guide management. Both methods differentiate between any calcium containing stone and uric acid stones.

Prostate cancer detection following diagnosis of atypical small acinar proliferation.

INTRODUCTION: To report the incidence and characteristics of cancer following a diagnosis of atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) and comment on current clinical practice recommendations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients that underwent prostate biopsy between 2008 and 2013 at a single institution. Men with ASAP without previous cancer were included. Clinicopathologic features including prostate-specific antigen (PSA), presence of ASAP or cancer, tumor volume, number of involved cores, and Gleason score were analyzed in men that received a repeat prostate biopsy. RESULTS: Of 1450 men, ASAP was found in 75 (5%) patients. Repeat biopsy was performed in 49 (65%) patients. Fifteen (31%) were diagnosed with cancer, 10 (20%) with ASAP, and 24 (49%) were benign. PSA, age, and number of cores with ASAP were not associated with cancer. Gleason 6 disease was diagnosed in 12 (80%) patients. Gleason ≥ 7 cancer was found in 3 patients, or 6% of all patients with a repeat biopsy. The average linear amount of tumor was 3.2 mm, and the average tumor volume was 14.2%. CONCLUSION: In a contemporary prostate biopsy series, the incidence of ASAP was 5%. Among men with ASAP, incidence of cancer at repeat biopsy was 31%, with the overwhelming majority being low grade and low volume. Patients with ASAP may not require repeat biopsy within 6 months in the appropriate clinical context.

Hospital-Based Analysis of Trends and Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Pyelolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine trends in pyelolithotomy, evaluate risk factors for complications, and evaluate the difference in outcomes and charges between open and minimally invasive (MI) techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify patients with a diagnosis of having nephrolithiasis undergoing pyelolithotomy from 2008 to 2012. Total charges were inflation-adjusted to U.S. dollars in 2012. Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes were reported and compared between open and MI groups after survey weighting. RESULTS: We included a survey-weighted population of 17,294 patients, of whom 841 (4.9%) had MI pyelolithotomy. The proportion of MI cases increased by 2.57% annually (r2 = 0.921, p = 0.01), although total pyelolithotomy cases remained stable. Simultaneous pyeloplasty occurred in 6.6% of all patients. Patients receiving open surgery experienced longer length of stay (3.9 days vs 2.7 days; p < 0.001), but accrued equivalent inflation-adjusted charges ($49,588 ± 2088 vs $51,716 ± 4893; p = 0.665). On multivariable analysis, higher Elixhauser comorbidity index and presence of any genitourinary anomaly were associated with experiencing a complication, while undergoing surgery at a top quartile hospital and elective admission status were protective against complications. MI technique and simultaneous ureteropelvic junction repair did not alter complication risk. CONCLUSION: While the annual number of pyelolithotomy cases was stable, there was an increasing trend toward MI technique. Both patient and hospital factors can significantly alter the risk for complications following pyelolithotomy.

Endoscopic Evidence That Randall's Plaque is Associated with Surface Erosion of the Renal Papilla.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the reliability and precision of an endoscopic grading scale to identify renal papillary abnormalities across a spectrum of equipment, locations, graders, and patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intra- and interobserver reliability of the papillary grading system was assessed using weighted kappa scoring among 4 graders reviewing a single renal papilla from 50 separate patients on 2 occasions. Grading was then applied to a cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic stone removal procedures at two centers. Patient factors were compared with papillary scores on the level of the papilla, kidney, and patient. RESULTS: Graders achieved substantial (kappa >0.6) intra- and inter-rater reliability in scored domains of ductal plugging, surface pitting, and loss of contour. Agreement for Randall's Plaque (RP) was moderate. Papillary scoring was then performed for 76 patients (89 kidneys, 533 papillae). A significant association was discovered between pitting and RP that held both within and across institutions. A general linear model was then created to further assess this association and it was found that RP score was a highly significant independent correlate of pitting score (F = 7.1; p < 0.001). Mean pitting scores increased smoothly and progressively with increasing RP scores. Sums of the scored domains were then calculated as a reflection of gross papillary abnormality. When analyzed in this way, a history of stone recurrence and shockwave lithotripsy were strongly predictive of higher sums. CONCLUSIONS: Renal papillary pathology can be reliably assessed between different providers using a newly described endoscopic grading scale. Application of this scale to stone-forming patients suggests that the degree of RP appreciated in the papilla is strongly associated with the presence of pitting. It also suggests that patients with a history of recurrent stones and lithotripsy have greater burdens of gross papillary disease.

Phylogeography of the endangered Lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima: a recent diaspora in an archipelago known for ancient herpetological endemism.

Iguana delicatissima is an endangered endemic of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. Phylogeographic analyses for many terrestrial vertebrate species in the Caribbean, particularly lizards, suggest ancient divergence times. Often, the closest relatives of species are found on the same island, indicating that colonization rates are so low that speciation on islands is often more likely to generate biodiversity than subsequent colonization events. Mitochondrial sequence analysis of the region spanning ND4 was performed on I. delicatissima individuals from islands across the species' range to estimate genetic divergence among geographically isolated populations. Five unique haplotypes were recovered from 46 individuals. The majority of animals carry a single common haplotype. Two of the haplotypes were only present in individuals classified as hybrids from Îles des Saintes. The final 2 haplotypes, single nucleotide substitutions, were present in animals from Îlet Chancel of Martinique and Saint Barthélemy, respectively. Despite the great distances between islands and habitat heterogeneity within islands, this species is characterized by low haplotype diversity. The low mtDNA variation of I. delicatissima suggests a single colonization coupled with rapid range expansion, potentially hastened by human-mediated dispersal.

Empiric antibiotics for an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level: a randomised, prospective, controlled multi-institutional trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of empiric antibiotics on men with an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men of any age with a PSA level of >2.5 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination undergoing their first prostate biopsy were recruited from five medical centres. Patients with previous biopsy, prostate cancer, urinary tract infection (UTI) or prostatitis within the prior year, antibiotic use within 1 month, 5α-reductase inhibitor use, allergy to fluoroquinolones or clinical suspicion of UTI were excluded. Men were randomised to 2 weeks of ciprofloxacin or no antibiotic. A PSA measurement was obtained 21-45 days after randomisation immediately before prostate biopsy. The primary endpoint was the change in PSA level between baseline and immediately before biopsy. RESULTS: Complete data were available for 77 men with a mean (interquartile range) age of 60.6 (53-66) years. In the control group of men not receiving antibiotic (39 men), the mean baseline and pre-biopsy PSA levels were 6.5 and 6.9 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.8). In men receiving ciprofloxacin (38 men), the mean baseline PSA level was 7.6 ng/mL and after 2 weeks of ciprofloxacin was 8.5 ng/mL (P = 0.7). Compared with controls not receiving antibiotic, use of ciprofloxacin was not associated with a statistically significant change in PSA level (P = 0.33). Prostate cancer was detected in 36 (47%) men, 23 (59%) in the control group and 13 (34%) in the antibiotic group (P = 0.04). Detection rates were not significantly associated with the change in PSA level between baseline and biopsy. The primary limitation of the study is early stoppage due to an interim futility analysis and poor accrual. CONCLUSION: Despite not meeting the target accrual goal, empiric use of antibiotics for asymptomatic men with an elevated PSA level does not appear to be of clinical benefit.

Drilling through impacted ureteral stones: use of the atherectomy rotablator device for urolithiasis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Rotablator is an angioplasty device that is passed over a wire. It uses a high-speed rotational "burr" (2 mm in diameter) that is coated with microscopic diamond particles and cooled by saline. It rotates at high speed (approximately 200,000 rpm) breaking up endovascular blockage into minute (smaller than red blood cells) fragments. We investigated, in vitro and ex vivo, the possible use of the Rotablator for urinary stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human stones of different sizes and composition were used for the experiment. Stone impaction in vitro was modeled by wedging the stones into the proximal part of a 16F silicone Foley catheter. Likewise, an ex-vivo study was performed on stones placed into a freshly harvested swine ureter using a nitinol basket. Data regarding the drill time, remaining stone size, and ureteral damage were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 15 stones were treated (10 in vitro and 5 ex vivo). The device successfully drilled through all the stones, along the path of the guidewire, allowing complete passage of the burr. The pretreatment mean stone size for the silicone and ureteral testing was 65 mm(3) and 34 mm(3), respectively (both P < 0.01). The post-treatment size was 54 mm(3) and 24 mm(3), respectively. Average treatment time was 100 seconds. No visual macroscopic ureteral damage or perforation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, the Rotablator is capable of drilling through stones with minimal damage. Drilling, however, occurred alongside the stone in which the guidewire was located and, thus, stone fragmentation appears to be minimal. Further studies are necessary to investigate other burr configurations and the use of the Rotablator for the fluoroscopic-guided passage of ureteral impaction in difficult clinical settings.