Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trade‐off mitigation: a conceptual framework for understanding floral adaptation in multispecies interactions

Explanations of floral adaptation to diverse pollinator faunas have often invoked visitor‐mediated trade‐offs in which no intermediate, generalized floral phenotype is optimal for pollination success, i.e. fitness valleys are created. In such cases, plant species are expected to specialize on particular groups of flower visitors. Contrary to this expectation, it is commonly observed that flowers interact with various groups of visitors, while at the same time maintaining distinct phenotypes among ecotypes, subspecies, or congeners. This apparent paradox may be due to a gap in our understanding of how visitor‐mediated trade‐offs could affect floral adaptation. Here we provide a conceptual framework for analysing visitor‐mediated trade‐offs with the hope of stimulating empirical and theoretical studies to fill this gap. We propose two types of visitor‐mediated trade‐offs to address negative correlations among fitness contributions of different visitors: visitor‐mediated phenotypic trade‐offs (phenotypic trade‐offs) and visitor‐mediated opportunity trade‐offs (opportunity trade‐offs). Phenotypic trade‐offs occur when different groups of visitors impose conflicting selection pressures on a floral trait. By contrast, opportunity trade‐offs emerge only when some visitors’ actions (e.g. pollen collection) remove opportunities for fitness contribution by more beneficial visitors. Previous studies have observed disruptive selection due to phenotypic trade‐offs less often than expected. In addition to existing explanations, we propose that some flowers have achieved ‘adaptive generalization’ by evolving features to avoid or eliminate the fitness valleys that phenotypic trade‐offs tend to produce. The literature suggests a variety of pathways to such ‘trade‐off mitigation’. Trade‐off mitigation may also evolve as an adaptation to opportunity trade‐offs. We argue that active exclusion, or floral specialization, can be viewed as a trade‐off mitigation, occurring only when flowers cannot otherwise avoid strong opportunity trade‐offs. These considerations suggest that an evolutionary strategy for trade‐off mitigation is achieved often by acquiring novel combinations of traits. Thus, phenotypic diversification of flowers through convergent evolution of certain trait combinations may have been enhanced not only through adaptive specialization for particular visitors, but also through adaptive generalization for particular visitor communities. Explorations of how visitor‐mediated trade‐offs explain the recurrent patterns of floral phenotypes may help reconcile the long‐lasting controversy on the validity of pollination syndromes.
Molecular prevalence of eight different sexually transmitted infections in a Lebanese major tertiary care center: impact on public health.

BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are caused by a variety of pathogens transmitted by sexual activity. Untreated infections can cause major complications with a substantial high cost on health sector. With the development of molecular techniques, STD screening became easier with a high sensitivity and specificity. OBJECTIVES In Lebanon, official data regarding STD trends are scarce. This study elucidates the STD molecular profile at a tertiary care center, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), its distribution among gender and age groups, with a comparison to international studies. METHODS A retrospective data analysis was conducted on all STD panels performed at AUBMC from January 2017 till December 2019 to determine the molecular prevalence of eight different sexually transmitted organisms. RESULTS Our samples belonged to 248 females (41.5%) and 349 males (58.5%). Only 53.5% of the samples tested positive for one or more organisms. Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum was found to be the most common pathogen (49.3%), followed by Gardenerella vaginalis (33.5%), Chlamydia trachomatis (5.36%), Mycoplasma genitalium (5.16%), Neisseria gonorrhea (2.5%), Herpes simplex virus (2.5%), and Trichomonas vaginalis (1.39%). Age was distributed between 5 and 80 years old. Regarding the pathogen's distribution among gender, Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum, Herpes simplex virus, and Gardenerella vaginalis were more common in females, the rest was more detected in males. CONCLUSION Data will be of great importance for clinicians, in terms of diagnosis and treatment. It will help adopting an evidence based STI control programs in Lebanon, and it is essential for future larger studies and sexual health awareness programs.
MRI of healthy brain aging: A review

We present a review of the characterization of healthy brain aging using MRI with an emphasis on morphology, lesions, and quantitative MR parameters. A scope review found 6612 articles encompassing the keywords “Brain Aging” and “Magnetic Resonance”; papers involving functional MRI or not involving imaging of healthy human brain aging were discarded, leaving 2246 articles. We first consider some of the biogerontological mechanisms of aging, and the consequences of aging in terms of cognition and onset of disease. Morphological changes with aging are reviewed for the whole brain, cerebral cortex, white matter, subcortical gray matter, and other individual structures. In general, volume and cortical thickness decline with age, beginning in mid‐life. Prevalent silent lesions such as white matter hyperintensities, microbleeds, and lacunar infarcts are also observed with increasing frequency. The literature regarding quantitative MR parameter changes includes T1, T2, T2*, magnetic susceptibility, spectroscopy, magnetization transfer, diffusion, and blood flow. We summarize the findings on how each of these parameters varies with aging. Finally, we examine how the aforementioned techniques have been used for age prediction. While relatively large in scope, we present a comprehensive review that should provide the reader with sound understanding of what MRI has been able to tell us about how the healthy brain ages.
Outcomes of Rescue Endovascular Treatment of Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion in Patients With Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerosis: Insights From STAR

Background Some emergent large vessel occlusions (ELVOs) are refractory to reperfusion because of underlying intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS), often requiring rescue therapy (RT) with balloon angioplasty, stenting, or both. In this study, we investigate the safety, efficacy, and long‐term outcomes of RT in the setting of mechanical thrombectomy for ICAS‐related ELVO. Methods and Results We queried the databases of 10 thrombectomy‐capable centers in North America and Europe included in STAR (Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry). Patients with ELVO who underwent ICAS‐related RT were included. A matched sample was produced for variables of age, admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, onset to groin puncture time, occlusion site, and final recanalization. Out of 3025 patients with MT, 182 (6%) patients required RT because of underlying ICAS. Balloon angioplasty was performed on 122 patients, and 117 patients had intracranial stenting. In the matched analysis, 141 patients who received RT matched to a similar number of controls. The number of thrombectomy passes was higher (3 versus 1, P<0.001), and procedural time was longer in the RT group (52 minutes versus 36 minutes, P=0.004). There was a higher rate of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation in the RT group (7.8% versus 4.3%, P=0.211), however, the difference was not significant. There was no difference in 90‐day modified Rankin scale of 0 to 2 (44% versus 47.5%, P=0.543) between patients in the RT and control groups. Conclusions In patients with ELVO with underlying ICAS requiring RT, despite longer procedure time and a more thrombectomy passes, the 90 days favorable outcomes were comparable with patients with embolic ELVO.
Organic Solvent Nanofiltration: A New Paradigm in Peptide Synthesis

Solid-phase synthesis is the dominant paradigm for peptide synthesis, used ubiquitously from discovery to production scale. However, the solid-phase approach produces coupling steps that may not be quantitative, introducing errors in amino acid sequences. It also entails an excess of reagents to overcome mass transfer limitations and restrictions on solvent, coupling chemistry, and protecting groups. Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) is a newly emerging technology capable of molecular separations in organic solvents. This contribution reports a new technology platform which advantageously combines OSN with solution-phase peptide synthesis, Membrane Enhanced Peptide Synthesis (MEPS). A first amino acid is linked to a soluble polyethylene glycol anchor. Through subsequent repeated coupling and deprotection steps, the peptide is extended to the desired length. The residual byproducts and excess reagents after each reaction are removed by diafiltration through a solvent-stable membrane which retains the pe.
Structural Differences in Life Satisfaction in a U.S. Adult Sample across Age.

Many studies investigating age-related mean differences in life satisfaction disregard potential differences in the structure of the life satisfaction construct. Because developmental tasks at different life stages vary and thus the salience of specific life domains (e.g., health, finances, relationships, etc.) might differ, life satisfaction might differ between age groups in its underlying structure and meaning. To address this issue, we investigated the covariance structure of life satisfaction as measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the domains of health satisfaction and financial satisfaction with Local Structural Equation Modeling (LSEM). We analyzed data from 8,341 U.S. citizens between the ages of 30 and 97 who participated in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. Furthermore, we explored the association of respondents' health and financial status with life satisfaction. Both the SWLS and the domain items were found to be invariant across age. The health and financial status accounted for small proportions of variance in overall life satisfaction and the respective domain satisfactions significantly at all ages. The current analysis indicates that across the adult age range, general life satisfaction is qualitatively the same, and health and financial satisfaction are equally integrated into overall life satisfaction.
Cytoplasmic and nuclear Sw-5b NLR act both independently and synergistically to confer full host defense against tospovirus infection.

Plant intracellular nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors play critical roles in mediating host immunity to pathogen attack. We use tomato Sw-5b::tospovirus as a model system to study the specific role of the compartmentalized plant NLR in dictating host defense against virus at different infection steps. We demonstrated here that tomato NLR Sw-5b distributes to cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively, to play different roles in inducing host resistances against tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) infection. The cytoplasmic-enriched Sw-5b induces a strong cell death response to inhibit TSWV replication. This host response is, however, insufficient to block viral intercellular and long-distance movement. The nuclear-enriched Sw-5b triggers a host defense that weakly inhibits viral replication but strongly impedes virus intercellular and systemic movement. Furthermore, the cytoplasmic and nuclear Sw-5b act synergistically to dictate a full host defense of TSWV infection. We further demonstrated that the extended N-terminal Solanaceae domain (SD) of Sw-5b plays critical roles in cytoplasm/nucleus partitioning. Sw-5b nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) controls its cytoplasm localization. Strikingly, the SD but not coil-coil (CC) domain is crucial for Sw-5b receptor to import into nucleus to trigger the immunity. The SD was found to interact with importins. Silencing both importin α and β expression disrupted Sw-5b nucleus import and host immunity against TSWV systemic infection. Collectively, our findings suggest that Sw-5b bifurcates disease resistances by cytoplasm/nucleus partitioning to block different infection steps of TSWV. The findings also identified a new regulatory role of extra domain of a plant NLR in mediating host innate immunity.
Randomized Phase III Postoperative Trial of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Versus Capecitabine in Patients With Residual Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: ECOG-ACRIN EA1131

PURPOSE Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and residual invasive disease (RD) after completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have a high-risk for recurrence, which is reduced by adjuvant capecitabine. Preclinical models support the use of platinum agents in the TNBC basal subtype. The EA1131 trial hypothesized that invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) would not be inferior but improved in patients with basal subtype TNBC treated with adjuvant platinum compared with capecitabine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with clinical stage II or III TNBC with ≥ 1 cm RD in the breast post-NAC were randomly assigned to receive platinum (carboplatin or cisplatin) once every 3 weeks for four cycles or capecitabine 14 out of 21 days every 3 weeks for six cycles. TNBC subtype (basal v nonbasal) was determined by PAM50 in the residual disease. A noninferiority design with superiority alternative was chosen, assuming a 4-year iDFS of 67% with capecitabine. RESULTS Four hundred ten of planned 775 participants were randomly assigned to platinum or capecitabine between 2015 and 2021. After median follow-up of 20 months and 120 iDFS events (61% of full information) in the 308 (78%) patients with basal subtype TNBC, the 3-year iDFS for platinum was 42% (95% CI, 30 to 53) versus 49% (95% CI, 39 to 59) for capecitabine. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were more common with platinum agents. The Data and Safety Monitoring Committee recommended stopping the trial as it was unlikely that further follow-up would show noninferiority or superiority of platinum. CONCLUSION Platinum agents do not improve outcomes in patients with basal subtype TNBC RD post-NAC and are associated with more severe toxicity when compared with capecitabine. Participants had a lower than expected 3-year iDFS regardless of study treatment, highlighting the need for better therapies in this high-risk population.
Type I interferon detection in autoimmune diseases: challenges and clinical applications

ABSTRACT Introduction Accumulating data highlights that the dysregulation of type I interferon (IFN) pathways plays a central role in the pathogenesis of several systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Advances in understanding the role of type I IFNs in these disorders can lead to targeted drug development as well as establishing potential disease biomarkers. Areas covered Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the role of type I IFNs in the major systemic, as well as organ-specific, autoimmune disorders, including prominent inflammatory CNS disorders like multiple sclerosis. Expert opinion Type I IFN involvement and its clinical associations in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases represents a promising area for research aiming to unveil common pathogenetic pathways in systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity.
Dementia care needs for individuals and caregivers among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites

Abstract Objectives Mexican Americans (MA) are more likely to have cognitive impairment and dementia (CID), be diagnosed at an earlier age and live with CID longer, compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). While studies have examined unmet needs of individuals with CID and their caregivers, few have focused on MA populations in the U.S. This paper examines the needs of community-residing individuals with CID and their caregivers in Nueces County, Texas, a county with one of the largest MA populations in the U.S., while exploring ethnic differences in needs identified. Method Using concept mapping, a mixed-method approach, qualitative input on perceived needs by informal caregivers and health professionals was collected. Participants then sorted and rated perceived needs. Using this information, multidimensional scaling and cluster analyses were conducted to map the relationship between perceived needs and determine their importance and priority. Results Five clusters were derived for caregivers and four for the health professionals. Themes across both caregivers and health professionals highlighted the need for specialized and team-based medical care, caregiver support and training, along with socio-economic and physical needs that help with day-to-day care of individuals with CID. Among caregivers, MA rated financial resources as more important and of higher priority compared to NHW. The health professionals’ perspectives were aligned with those of all caregivers. Conclusion By understanding the needs of caregivers and individuals with CID, we can help families deal with this disease and let caregivers thrive. This is especially important for minority populations like MAs.
Binge Drinking, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use Among Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Longitudinal Study

Objectives: Substance use among young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCSs) has been found to increase during survivorship, resulting in increased risk of developing long-term negative health outcomes. This investigation sought to determine various risk and protective factors of tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use over time among a sample of YACCSs. Methods: 127 YACCSs (57% Hispanic, 55% female, average age at diagnosis 12.4 years) who were diagnosed with any cancer type (except Hodgkin lymphoma) at two large pediatric medical centers in Los Angeles County between 2000 and 2007 responded to two surveys separated by ∼5 years. Bivariate logistic regression models were used to assess independent clinical and psychosocial Time 1 variables associated with each substance use outcome at Time 2. Time 1 variables significant at p < . 10 were included in multivariable logistic regression models for each Time 2 substance use variable. Results: Rates of 30-day use increased over time for binge drinking alcohol (from 25.6% to 37.7%), marijuana (from 10.6% to 22.1%), and cigarette/tobacco (from 8.9% to 12.2%). Of the following Time 1 variables, marijuana use, cigarette use, and binge drinking were associated with Time 2 marijuana, cigarette, and binge drinking, respectively. Of the following clinical factors, receipt of more intensive cancer treatment was associated with decreased tobacco use. All other psychosocial and clinical factors analyzed were not associated with any increase or decrease in substance use. Conclusions: A greater emphasis on early health education efforts regarding the health risks of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use is needed in this at-risk population.
Patients’ and Providers’ Needs and Preferences When Considering Fertility Preservation Before Cancer Treatment: Decision-Making Needs Assessment

Background As cancer treatments continue to improve, it is increasingly important that women of reproductive age have an opportunity to decide whether they want to undergo fertility preservation treatments to try to protect their ability to have a child after cancer. Clinical practice guidelines recommend that providers offer fertility counseling to all young women with cancer; however, as few as 12% of women recall discussing fertility preservation. The long-term goal of this program is to develop an interactive web-based patient decision aid to improve awareness, access, knowledge, and decision making for all young women with cancer. The International Patient Decision Aid Standards collaboration recommends a formal decision-making needs assessment to inform and guide the design of understandable, meaningful, and usable patient decision aid interventions. Objective This study aims to assess providers’ and survivors’ fertility preservation decision-making experiences, unmet needs, and initial design preferences to inform the development of a web-based patient decision aid. Methods Semistructured interviews and an ad hoc focus group assessed current decision-making experiences, unmet needs, and recommendations for a patient decision aid. Two researchers coded and analyzed the transcripts using NVivo (QSR International). A stakeholder advisory panel guided the study and interpretation of results. Results A total of 51 participants participated in 46 interviews (18 providers and 28 survivors) and 1 ad hoc focus group (7 survivors). The primary themes included the importance of fertility decisions for survivorship, the existence of significant but potentially modifiable barriers to optimal decision making, and a strong support for developing a carefully designed patient decision aid website. Providers reported needing an intervention that could quickly raise awareness and facilitate timely referrals. Survivors reported needing understandable information and help with managing uncertainty, costs, and pressures. Design recommendations included providing tailored information (eg, by age and cancer type), optional interactive features, and multimedia delivery at multiple time points, preferably outside the consultation. Conclusions Decision making about fertility preservation is an important step in providing high-quality comprehensive cancer care and a priority for many survivors’ optimal quality of life. Decision support interventions are needed to address gaps in care and help women quickly navigate toward an informed, values-congruent decision. Survivors and providers support developing a patient decision aid website to make information directly available to women outside of the consultation and to provide self-tailored content according to women’s clinical characteristics and their information-seeking and deliberative styles.