Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the mechanisms underpinning disturbance-mediated invasion

Disturbances can play a major role in biological invasions: by destroying biomass, they alter habitat and resource abundances. Previous field studies suggest that disturbance-mediated invader success is a consequence of resource influxes, but the importance of other potential covarying causes, notably the opening up of habitats, have yet to be directly tested. Using experimental populations of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens, we determined the relative importance of disturbance-mediated habitat opening and resource influxes, plus any interaction between them, for invader success of two ecologically distinct morphotypes. Resource addition increased invasibility, while habitat opening had little impact and did not interact with resource addition. Both invaders behaved similarly, despite occupying different ecological niches in the microcosms. Treatment also affected the composition of the resident population, which further affected invader success. Our results provide experimental support for the observation that resource input is a key mechanism through which disturbance increases invasibility.
Host heterogeneity mitigates virulence evolution

Parasites often infect genetically diverse host populations, and the evolutionary trajectories of parasite populations may be shaped by levels of host heterogeneity. Mixed genotype host populations, compared to homogeneous host populations, can reduce parasite prevalence and potentially reduce rates of parasite adaptation due to trade-offs associated with adapting to specific host genotypes. Here, we used experimental evolution to select for increased virulence in populations of the bacterial parasite Serratia marcescens exposed to either heterogeneous or homogeneous populations of Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that parasites exposed to heterogeneous host populations evolved significantly less virulence than parasites exposed to homogeneous host populations over several hundred bacterial generations. Thus, host heterogeneity impeded parasite adaptation to host populations. While we detected trade-offs in virulence evolution, parasite adaptation to two specific host genotypes also resulted in modestly increased virulence against the reciprocal host genotypes. These results suggest that parasite adaptation to heterogeneous host populations may be impeded by both trade-offs and a reduction in the efficacy of selection as different host genotypes exert different selective pressures on a parasite population.
In vitro evaluation of fracture resistance and cyclic fatigue resistance of computer-aided design-on and hand-layered zirconia crowns following cementation on epoxy dies

Aim: This in vitro study was to compare the fracture resistance and cyclic fatigue resistance of hand-layered zirconia crowns and computer-aided design (CAD)-on crowns (lithium disilicate with zirconium oxide). Settings and Design: Comparative -Invitro study design. Materials and Methods: All ceramic crown preparation was done on a mandibular molar ivorine tooth, impression made, and duplicated. Twenty hand-layered zirconia crowns and twenty CAD-on crowns were fabricated using CAD/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technique. All crowns were cemented to their respective dies using resin cement for evaluating fracture resistance and cyclic fatigue resistance using universal testing machine. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent samples t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Shapiro–Wilk test were used. Results: The mean fracture resistance of CAD-on crowns (2660.50 ± 501.303 N) was significantly more than that of hand-layered zirconia crowns (1963.60 ± 452.895 N) (independent samples t-test, P < 0.023). Cyclic fatigue resistance test results showed that the mean number of cycles before failure for hand-layered zirconia crowns was 175,297 and for CAD-on crowns was 212,097 (Mann–Whitney U-test, P < 0.012). Conclusion: CAD-on crowns were found to have significantly higher fracture resistance and cyclic fatigue resistance properties than hand-layered zirconia crowns.
Pulmonary function test in OSMF patients

Betel nut quid chewing is a common psychoactive substance or masticatory euphoriant used by 600 million people in the world and is a main etiological factor for Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). The areca nut metabolite arecoline causes aggravation of disease in asthmatics by increasing bronchoconstriction in a dose-dependent manner; however, the effect of betel (Areca catechu) nut chewing on the function of the normal human lungs is yet to be fully established. Aim: The aim of the study was to measure and to compare pulmonary function tests such as forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV), FEV/FVC%, peak expiratory flow rate, and maximum voluntary capacity maximum voluntary capacity (MVV) between study groups (control and OSMF). Materials and Methods: The study population included 100 participants comprising 50 normal and 50 clinically diagnosed OSMF cases. Pulmonary function tests were assessed using spirometer. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: Pulmonary function tests were found to be decreased in OSMF patients when compared to controls. Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in the spirometry parameters between both the groups; however, a decrease in pulmonary function compared to normal can be a warning sign for obstructive and restrictive type of pulmonary disease.
Stress and burden among parents of students in special schools of Mangaluru: A cross-sectional study

Background: About 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability; 2%–4% experience significant difficulties in functioning. Parents who are the primary caregivers of a child with a disability face numerous challenges in day-to-day life, which, in turn, affects their psychological health. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the level of stress and burden among parents of a child with a disability, to identify the coping strategies used by the parents, and to assess the effect of sociodemographic variables on their level of stress and burden. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three special schools of Mangaluru taluk; a total of 112 parents whose children were enrolled in these special schools participated. Family Stress and Coping Interview and Zarit Burden Interview scale and a modified questionnaire on coping strategies were used to calculate the stress and burden level. Results: Nearly 47.33% of the parents reported mild-to-moderate stress, whereas 25% of the parents reported high stress, 50.9% of the parents reported mild-to-moderate burden, and 26.8% accounted for moderate-to-severe burden. There was a significant association between the level of stress, level of caregiver burden, and sociodemographic variables such as residents, occupation, education, and rehabilitation services. There is moderate and strong evidence of a positive correlation between the caregiver burden with the age of the child (r = 0.245, P = 0.009) and stress (r = 0.45, P < 0.001). The parents of children with disability undergo stressful events throughout their life; the sociodemographic factors have significant association on the level of stress and burden. Conclusion: The various program measures such as adult day care, improvised home-care, and use of assistive equipment can be undertaken to reduce caregiver burden.
Analyse the effect of different investment techniques and pattern materials on surface roughness of raw Ni-Cr castings – An In Vitro study

Aims: This study aimed to analyze the effect of different investment techniques and pattern materials on the surface roughness of raw castings from nickel-chromium alloy. Settings and Design: This is an experimental in vitro study carried out in Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharastra. Materials and Methods: Sixty square-shaped wax patterns, measuring 10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm, were divided into four groups. A phosphate-bonded investment material (Bellasun, Bego, Germany) was used to invest 15 samples of inlay wax and kept under normal atmospheric pressure and the remaining 15 wax patterns were invested under a pressure of 3 bars for 30 min, and then allowed to bench set for another 30 min. The same investing techniques were carried out for the remaining thirty samples made from pattern resin. Statistical Analysis Used: The surface roughness (μm) of the castings was measured by a profilometer. Student's “unpaired t-test” was used for the statistical analysis. Results: Specimens that were invested at atmospheric pressure had significantly more surface roughness (μm) values than those invested under increased pressure (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Wax patterns exhibited the least surface roughness when invested under pressure and can be recommended as the material and technique of choice. In addition, resin patterns invested under increased pressure produced smoother casting surface than those invested at atmospheric pressure, and the difference is highly significant.
Lumbar radiculopathy: Outcome analysis following treatment by only fixation – A report of an early experience of 44 cases

Objective: An alternative novel form of surgical treatment for patients having prolapsed or bulging intervertebral disc, with or without associated osteophyte, related lumbar radiculopathy by “only fixation” or internal orthosis and aiming for segmental arthrodesis is presented. Materials and Methods: During the period July 2014–October 2018, 44 patients presenting with symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy and diagnosed to have bulging, prolapsed or herniated lumbar intervertebral disc with or without associated osteophytes were treated by only spinal stabilization without resorting to any kind of bone, ligaments, osteophyte, or disc resection. Results: All patients had “immediate” postoperative relief from radicular symptoms. The Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index scores were used to assess the patient both before and after the surgical treatment. During the follow-up period that ranged from 10 to 60 months (average: 35 months), there was no recurrence of symptoms. Complete or significant resorption of the herniated disc was seen in 29 cases on follow-up radiological assessment. Conclusions: Spinal segmental fixation without any manipulation of the herniated disc or osteophyte and without any kind of bone or soft-tissue decompression is a safe, effective, and rational method of treatment of lumbar radiculopathy related to intervertebral disc herniation.
The Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults (Adult STRAIN) in Brazilian Portuguese: Initial Validation and Links With Executive Function, Sleep, and Mental and Physical Health

It has been widely hypothesized that stressors occurring over the lifespan exert a cumulative impact on health, but little work has directly tested these theories given the difficulty associated with measuring cumulative stress exposure over the lifespan. We addressed this issue in Brazil by translating the Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults (Adult STRAIN) into Brazilian Portuguese. We then examined the instrument’s usability and acceptability; concurrent, discriminant, predictive, and incremental validity; and test–retest reliability. Participants were 330 Brazilian adults (238 women; Mage = 32.16; range: 18–76 years old) who completed the Adult STRAIN in Brazilian Portuguese, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). They also completed measures of socioeconomic status, personality, social desirability, negative affect, physical and mental health complaints, sleep quality, executive function, and doctor-diagnosed general health problems and autoimmune disorders. The STRAIN exhibited excellent usability and acceptability and was completed in 16 min and 27 s, on average. It showed good concurrent validity relative to the CTQ-SF and PSS (rs ≥ 0.377) and good discriminant validity, both with and without adjusting for covariates. In addition, the STRAIN significantly predicted all of the health outcomes assessed except for executive function and explained substantial variance in these outcomes over and above the CTQ-SF, PSS, and covariates assessed. Finally, the test–retest reliability indices for total lifetime stressor count and severity were outstanding (ricc = 0.936 and 0.953, respectively, over M = 34.86 days). The Adult STRAIN in Brazilian Portuguese thus exhibits excellent usability and acceptability, good concurrent and discriminant validity, strong predictive and incremental validity across a variety of health outcomes, and outstanding test–retest reliability. We therefore conclude that the STRAIN is a practical, valid, and reliable instrument for researchers and clinicians looking to efficiently assess cumulative lifetime stress exposure in Brazilian Portuguese.
Spinal cord anaplastic astrocytoma with BRAF V600E mutation: A case report and review of literature

A 17‐year‐old female complained of lower extremity pain that progressed to low back pain accompanied by paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the conus medullaris of the spinal cord at the thoracic spine 11–12 level. The patient underwent resection of the mass. The pathological diagnosis was anaplastic astrocytoma based on the densely proliferating astrocytic tumor cells without necrosis or microvascular proliferation. The patient received chemoradiotherapy with oral temozolomide and a total of 54 Gy of local irradiation, followed by 24 courses of temozolomide as maintenance chemotherapy. The patient survived for 8 years without tumor recurrence following the initial treatment. Genetic analysis of the tumor revealed a BRAF V600E mutation that has not yet been reported in spinal cord high‐grade gliomas (HGGs). In recent years, the molecular therapy targeting the BRAF V600E mutation has been applied in clinical practice for several cancer types. Although the frequency in spinal cord HGGs is uncertain, it is necessary to investigate BRAF V600E mutation as a potential therapeutic target in the future.
Market integration accounts for local variation in generalized altruism in a nationwide lost-letter experiment

Significance Why do communities vary in their levels of prosocial behavior? And are members of the ingroup and outgroup treated differently? According to the generalized altruism hypothesis, the more people engage in market-exchange dynamics, the more they are forced to interact with unknown others, thus creating the premises for the extension of prosocial behavior beyond close-knit circles to include outgroup members. This paper uses a large-scale, nationwide lost-letter experiment in a sample of Italian communities and finds a positive relationship between market integration and prosociality: In areas where market exchange is dominant, letter-return rates are high. Moreover, prosocial behavior toward ingroup and outgroup members moves hand in hand, thus suggesting that norms of solidarity extend beyond group boundaries. What explains variation in levels of prosocial behavior across communities? And are members of the ingroup and outgroup treated differently? According to evolutionary theories of generalized altruism, market integration should lead to greater levels of prosociality: Market exchange forces people to interact with unknown others, thus creating the conditions for the extension of prosocial behavior beyond close-knit circles to include outgroup members and strangers. Moving away from the evolutionary focus on cross-cultural variation, this article uses the market-integration hypothesis to explain intracultural variation in levels of prosociality in an advanced society. Taking advantage of an ideal setting, this study reports results from a large-scale, nationwide lost-letter experiment in which 5,980 letters were dispersed in a sample of 188 Italian communities. The study confirms the relevance of market integration in accounting for differences in levels of prosociality: In areas where market exchange is dominant, return rates are high. It also casts a light on the relationship between ingroup and outgroup prosociality: Return rates for both Italian and foreign recipients are the same; they vary together; and ingroup returns are highly predictive of outgroup returns at the community level.
Gastrointestinal Coinfection Promotes Chlamydial Pathogenicity in the Genital Tract

Sexually transmitted Chlamydia, which can cause fibrotic pathology in women’s genital tracts, is also frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the medical significance of the gastrointestinal Chlamydia remains unclear. A murine Chlamydia readily spreads from the mouse genital tract to the gastrointestinal tract while inducing oviduct fibrotic blockage or hydrosalpinx. We previously proposed a two-hit model in which the mouse gastrointestinal Chlamydia might induce the second hit to promote genital tract pathology, and we are now providing experimental evidence for testing the hypothesis. ABSTRACT Sexually transmitted Chlamydia, which can cause fibrotic pathology in women’s genital tracts, is also frequently detected in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the medical significance of the gastrointestinal Chlamydia remains unclear. A murine Chlamydia readily spreads from the mouse genital tract to the gastrointestinal tract while inducing oviduct fibrotic blockage or hydrosalpinx. We previously proposed a two-hit model in which the mouse gastrointestinal Chlamydia might induce the second hit to promote genital tract pathology, and we are now providing experimental evidence for testing the hypothesis. First, chlamydial mutants that are attenuated in inducing hydrosalpinx in the genital tract also reduce their colonization in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a better correlation of chlamydial induction of hydrosalpinx with chlamydial colonization in the gastrointestinal tract than in the genital tract. Second, intragastric coinoculation with a wild-type Chlamydia rescued an attenuated Chlamydia mutant to induce hydrosalpinx, while the chlamydial mutant infection in the genital tract alone was unable to induce any significant hydrosalpinx. Finally, the coinoculated gastrointestinal Chlamydia failed to directly spread to the genital tract lumen, suggesting that gastrointestinal Chlamydia may promote genital pathology via an indirect mechanism. Thus, we have demonstrated a significant role of gastrointestinal Chlamydia in promoting pathology in the genital tract possibly via an indirect mechanism. This study provides a novel direction/dimension for further investigating chlamydial pathogenic mechanisms.
Total circulating cell-free DNA as a prognostic biomarker in metastatic colorectal cancer prior to first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a heterogeneous disease where prognosis is dependent both on tumor biology and host factors. Total circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has shown to harbor prognostic information in mCRC, although less is known about the biological correlates of cfDNA levels in this patient group. The primary objective was to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment cfDNA in patients receiving first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for mCRC, by using a predefined upper limit of normal (ULN) from a cohort of presumed healthy individuals. The secondary objective was to model cfDNA levels as a function of predefined tumor and host factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective post hoc study based on a prospective multicenter phase III trial, the NORDIC-VII study. DNA was purified from 547 plasma samples and cfDNA quantified by a droplet digital PCR assay (B2M, PPIA) with controls for lymphocyte contamination. Main clinical endpoint was overall survival (OS). RESULTS cfDNA was quantified in 493 patients, 54 were excluded mainly due to lymphocyte contamination. Median cfDNA level was 7,673 alleles/mL (1,050-1,645,000) for B2M and 5,959 alleles/mL (555-854,167) for PPIA. High cfDNA levels were associated with impaired outcome; median OS of 16.6 months for levels above ULN and 25.9 months for levels below ULN (HR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.51-2.21, P < 0.001). The result was confirmed in multivariate OS analysis adjusting for established clinicopathological characteristics. A linear regression model predicted cfDNA levels from sum of longest tumor diameters by RECIST, the presence of liver metastases and systemic inflammatory response (SIR) as measured by IL-6 (F(6, 357) = 62.7, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION cfDNA holds promise as a minimally invasive and clinically relevant prognostic biomarker in mCRC prior to first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, and may be a complex entity associated with tumor burden, liver metastases and SIR. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00145314.
Structures of immature EIAV Gag lattices reveal a conserved role for IP6 in lentivirus assembly

Retrovirus assembly is driven by the multidomain structural protein Gag. Interactions between the capsid domains (CA) of Gag result in Gag multimerization, leading to an immature virus particle that is formed by a protein lattice based on dimeric, trimeric, and hexameric protein contacts. Among retroviruses the inter- and intra-hexamer contacts differ, especially in the N-terminal sub-domain of CA (CANTD). For HIV-1 the cellular molecule inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) interacts with and stabilizes the immature hexamer, and is required for production of infectious virus particles. We have used in vitro assembly, cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and mutational analyses to study the HIV-related lentivirus equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). In particular, we sought to understand the structural conservation of the immature lentivirus lattice and the role of IP6 in EIAV assembly. Similar to HIV-1, IP6 strongly promoted in vitro assembly of EIAV Gag proteins into virus-like particles (VLPs), which took three morphologically highly distinct forms: narrow tubes, wide tubes, and spheres. Structural characterization of these VLPs to sub-4Å resolution unexpectedly showed that all three morphologies are based on an immature lattice with preserved key structural components, highlighting the structural versatility of CA to form immature assemblies. A direct comparison between EIAV and HIV revealed that both lentiviruses maintain similar immature interfaces, which are established by both conserved and non-conserved residues. In both EIAV and HIV-1, IP6 regulates immature assembly via conserved lysine residues within the CACTD and SP. Lastly, we demonstrate that IP6 stimulates in vitro assembly of immature particles of several other retroviruses in the lentivirus genus, suggesting a conserved role for IP6 in lentiviral assembly.