Using incidental mark-encounter data to improve survival estimation

The Prognostic and Therapeutic Potential of Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) Gene Expression in Prostate Adenocarcinoma: Insights into Survival Outcomes and Oncogenic Pathway Modulation

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is the second most common tumor associated with death. The role and mechanisms of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene in PRAD remain unknown. We conducted an analysis of FMR1 expression in PRAD to determine its prognostic importance and connection to carcinogenic pathways such as PI3K_AKT_mTOR. Survival analyses were utilized to establish a correlation between FMR1 expression and patient outcomes. We used the integration of genomic data with bioinformatic predictions to predict the regulatory factors of the FMR1 gene in PRAD. Our data revealed that individuals with higher levels of FMR1 expression experience worse survival outcomes compared to those with lower expression (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 - 24, p = 0.0412). FMR1 expression was significantly higher in patients with advanced pathological tumor stages, particularly in the pT3 and pT4 combined stages and the pN1 nodal stage. Furthermore, patients with high Gleason scores (GSs) (combined GSs 8 and 9) exhibited increased levels of FMR1 expression. Our results further identify a possible regulatory link between FMR1 and key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K_AKT_mTOR, and predict the possible mechanism by which FMR1 is regulated in PRAD. Our data suggest that the FMR1 gene could serve as a biomarker for PRAD progression. However, in-depth investigations, including those with large patient samples and in vitro studies, are needed to validate this finding and understand the mechanisms involved.

Indirect impacts of a highway on movement behavioral states of a threatened tortoise and implications for landscape connectivity

Roads have often been identified as barriers to the movement of free-ranging animals. However, whether restoration of landscape connectivity across roadways can mitigate barriers to movement is insufficiently understood in light of indirect effects of roads on wildlife movement. We GPS-tagged free-ranging Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) to quantify movement behavioral states using hidden Markov models in relation to a major highway and to document use of existing, permeable culverts. We then used the observed movement behaviors to parameterize simulations of tortoise movement to evaluate alternative culvert designs and placements for enhancing connectivity across the roadway. Tortoises were most active during mid-day, in warm temperatures, and when close to the highway. The highway affected transition probabilities between movement states, as females were more likely than males to switch to an energy-demanding traveling movement state, remain in that state, and move farther than usual within that state. In contrast, males were more likely than females to continue in the low-energy resting state when close to the highway, but if traveling, to travel farther than usual. We observed two highway crossings by a tagged tortoise, which was a higher rate of crossing than in simulated tortoises. Simulated crossing rates increased with culvert size and culvert density, and size and density appeared more important for crossing than if culverts were placed singly or in pairs. Existing culvert densities across the region appeared potentially sufficient for long-term genetic connectivity, but only if retrofitted to allow for tortoise access and passing. We concluded that existing highway traffic may indirectly depress tortoise populations adjacent to the highway, particularly via negative impacts to female movements, and that existing culverts in washes should be retrofitted to allow for periodic tortoise crossings to improve structural connectivity for occasional passage.