A molecular mechanism mediating clozapine-enhanced sensorimotor gating.

The atypical antipsychotic clozapine targets multiple receptor systems beyond the dopaminergic pathway and influences prepulse inhibition (PPI), a critical translational measure of sensorimotor gating. Since PPI is modulated by atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone and clozapine, we hypothesized that p11-an adaptor protein associated with anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors and G-protein-coupled receptor function-might modulate these effects. In this study, we assessed the role of p11 in clozapine's PPI-enhancing effect by testing wild-type and global p11 knockout (KO) mice in response to haloperidol, risperidone, and clozapine.

Molecular mechanism of condensin I activation by KIF4A.

During mitosis, the condensin I and II complexes compact chromatin into chromosomes. Loss of the chromokinesin, KIF4A, results in reduced condensin I association with chromosomes, but the molecular mechanism behind this phenotype is unknown. In this study, we reveal that KIF4A binds directly to the human condensin I HAWK subunit, NCAPG, via a conserved disordered short linear motif (SLiM) located in its C-terminal tail.

Exploring the handedness-breast cancer nexus: a comprehensive analysis via systematic review, meta-analysis, and Mendelian randomization.

Background: Given the widespread prevalence of breast cancer as a global malignancy, there is a compelling need to delve into its risk determinants.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between indicators of left-handedness and breast cancer, employing systematic review, meta-analysis, and Mendelian randomization methods.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Loop-extrusion-mediated plasmid DNA cleavage by the bacterial SMC Wadjet complex.

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes play pivotal roles in genome organization and maintenance across all domains of life. In prokaryotes, SMC-family Wadjet complexes structurally resemble the widespread MukBEF but serve a defensive role by inhibiting plasmid transformation. We previously showed that Wadjet specifically cleaves plasmid DNA; however, the molecular mechanism underlying plasmid recognition remains unclear.

In vitro dynamics of DNA loop extrusion by structural maintenance of chromosomes complexes.

Genomic DNA inside the cell's nucleus is highly organized and tightly controlled by the structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes. These complexes fold genomes by creating and processively enlarging loops, a process called loop extrusion. After more than a decade of accumulating indirect evidence, recent in vitro single-molecule studies confirmed loop extrusion as an evolutionarily conserved function among eukaryotic and prokaryotic SMCs.

Employing synchrotron X-ray scattering and microscopy to explore microstructural mysteries in bioresorbable vascular scaffolds.

Crystal structure and morphology dictate the mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties of poly l-lactide (PLLA), the structural polymer of the first clinically approved bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS). New experimental methods are developed to reveal the underlying mechanisms governing structure formation during the crimping step of the BVS manufacturing process. Our research specifically examines the "U-bends" - the region where the curvature is highest and stress is maximised during crimping, which can potentially lead to failure of the device with dramatic consequences on patient life.

Refractive changes in children in the Chicago area during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective observational study.

Background: Remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic caused behavioural changes such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor time. This study aimed to investigate myopia progression in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study performed among 2064 patients ages 2-17 with cycloplegic refractions in the months of January 2019-March 2021 at a tertiary children's hospital.

Evaluating Postoperative Opioid Prescription Fills and Refills for Adolescents Undergoing Surgery.

Introduction: Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are state-run databases that track controlled substances to reduce substance use and diversion. The accuracy of PDMPs for adolescents who receive postoperative opioid prescriptions is unknown.

Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a free-standing tertiary children's hospital from 2019 to 2020.

Thymidine phosphorylase mediates SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhanced thrombosis in K18-hACE2 mice.

Introduction: Thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), which facilitates platelet activation and thrombosis, is significantly increased in COVID-19 patients. We hypothesize that TYMP mediates SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP)-induced thrombosis.

Materials And Methods: Plasmids encoding wildtype SP or empty vector (p3.

ChatGPT Use Among Pediatric Health Care Providers: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

Background: The public launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT platform generated immediate interest in the use of large language models (LLMs). Health care institutions are now grappling with establishing policies and guidelines for the use of these technologies, yet little is known about how health care providers view LLMs in medical settings. Moreover, there are no studies assessing how pediatric providers are adopting these readily accessible tools.

The Clinical Implication of Nocturia in Predicting Hypertension Among Working-Aged Koreans.

Background: Evidence has indicated that nocturia is a clinical manifestation of adverse health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. However, previous studies are less available for the clinical implication of nocturia on the development of hypertension.

Methods: Study participants were 32,420 working-aged Koreans (21,355 men and 11,065 women) who periodically received health checkups.

All-in-one wearable drug efficacy assessment systems for bulbar muscle function using amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal models.

Preclinical studies are crucial for developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis drugs. Current FDA-approved drugs have been created by monitoring limb muscle function and histological analysis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model animals. Drug candidates for this disease have yet to be tested for bulbar-onset type due to the limitations of traditional preclinical tools: excessive animal use and discrete detection of disease progress.

The Impact of Low Workplace Support During Pregnancy on Surgeon Distress and Career Dissatisfaction.

Objective: To describe the impact of lack of workplace support (LOWS) for obstetric health on surgeon distress and career satisfaction.

Background: Although most pregnant surgeons desire clinical duty reductions to mitigate obstetric risk, few modify their schedules due to low workplace support.

Methods: US surgeons with at least one live birth completed an electronic survey.

Emergency Abdominal Surgery in Children With COVID-19: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Introduction: Evidence suggests that coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with increased perioperative mortality in adults. We hypothesized that children with COVID-19 had worse outcomes after emergency surgery compared to children without COVID-19.

Methods: Children <18 y who underwent emergency abdominal surgery were included in the 2021 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database.

A Giant Basal Meningoencephalocele Repair in a Neonate: A Case Report.

Primary encephaloceles are congenital mesodermal defects that result in brain tissue protruding through the skull. These defects most commonly occur occipitally but can be present anywhere in the calvarium. Meningoencephaloceles are a subclassification that includes herniation of the meninges.

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among US Surgical Residents.

Importance: The ability to pursue family planning goals is integral to gender equity in any field. Procedural specialties pose occupational risks to pregnancy. As the largest procedural specialty, general surgery provides an opportunity to understand family planning, workplace support for parenthood, obstetric outcomes, and the impact of these factors on workforce well-being, gender equity, and attrition.

Hip Surgery is Not More Painful Than Spine Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Background: Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and hip reconstruction are commonly indicated surgeries in children with cerebral palsy (CP), particularly those functioning at GMFCS levels IV and V. These are large and often painful procedures, and previous literature suggests that hip surgery is more painful than spine surgery in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to investigate pain scores and opioid use following hip and spine surgery in a large cohort of children with CP, including many patients who have undergone both types of surgery.

Chinese visceral adiposity index and its relation to abnormal left ventricular remodeling assessed by relative wall thickness and left ventricular mass index.

Background And Aims: The Chinese visceral adipose index (CVAI) is more significantly associated with cardiometabolic risk factors than other obesity indices. This study investigated the relationship between CVAI and left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

Methods And Results: This study included 75,132 Koreans who underwent echocardiography during a health checkup.

The longitudinal analysis for the association between smoking and the risk of depressive symptoms.

Background: Despite high smoking rate in people with depressive symptoms, there is ongoing debate about relationship between smoking and depressive symptoms.

Methods: Study participants were 57,441 Korean men. We collected their baseline data between 2011 and 2012, and conducted follow-up from 2013 to 2019.

Disordered Sleep in Adolescents Recovering From Surgery.

Background And Objectives: Sleep is essential for postoperative recovery. Prescription opioid can be associated with disordered sleep. There is little research on sleep patterns among adolescents using opioids for postoperative pain.