β3 accelerates microtubule plus end maturation through a divergent lateral interface.

β-tubulin isotypes exhibit similar sequences but different activities, suggesting that limited sequence divergence is functionally important. We investigated this hypothesis for TUBB3/β3, a β-tubulin linked to aggressive cancers and chemoresistance in humans. We created mutant yeast strains with β-tubulin alleles that mimic variant residues in β3 and find that residues at the lateral interface are sufficient to alter microtubule dynamics and response to microtubule targeting agents.

Workplace factors associated with job satisfaction among dental hygienists and assistants in the United States.

Previous research has assessed job satisfaction and related workplace factors among healthcare workers. However, studies on dental care professionals are limited. This study aimed to evaluate job satisfaction among US dental hygienists (DHs) and assistants (DAs) and identify workplace factors contributing to their job satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Predicting Reliable Improvements in Primary Care Youth Mental Health.

Background: Amid a youth mental health crisis, community-based early intervention services have shown promising outcomes. Understanding the specific factors that predict clinical outcomes is crucial for enhancing intervention efficacy, yet these factors remain insufficiently understood.

Aim: This study examined the individual and service-related factors associated with reliable improvement for young people (n = 4565) aged 12-25 years attending a brief primary care youth talk therapy mental health service across 14 sites.

Effect of Posterior Corneal Surgically Induced Astigmatism on Toric Intraocular Lens Power Calculations.

Background: To determine whether accounting for posterior corneal surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) would improve toric intraocular lens power calculation prediction error.

Methods: A total of 189 eyes of 148 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery were included in the study. Standard and posterior keratometry were measured pre- and postoperatively.

The Association of TSLP and IL-4 with Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps.

Background: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in mediating the type-2-inflammatory response. This study examined how TSLP and interleukin (IL)-4 levels in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) correlated with clinical and postoperative outcomes.

Methods: Solid-phase sandwich ELISA was used to analyze TSLP and IL-4 levels in mucus (n = 47), plasma (n = 17), polyp (n = 30), inferior (n = 25), and middle (n = 26) turbinate tissue collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in CRSwNP patients (n = 76) and controls (n = 11).