Sexual Dimorphism in the Downregulation of Extracellular Matrix Genes Contribute to Aortic Structural Stiffness in Female Mice.

The contribution of sex hormones to cardiovascular disease, including arterial stiffness, is established; however, the role of sex chromosome interaction with sex hormones, particularly in women, is lagging. Arterial structural stiffness depends on the intrinsic properties and transmural wall geometry that comprise a network of cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins expressed in a sex-dependent manner. In this study, we used four-core genotype (FCG) mice to determine the relative contribution of sex hormones versus sex chromosomes or their interaction with arterial structural stiffness.

Consistent direction despite wavering policy: reductions in resident physician extended duration shifts over 20 years.

We examined data from 17,498 physicians-in-training who reported on 92,662 months of work over a 20 year study interval that included three major revisions to work hour limits. Extended duration shifts (≥24 hours; EDS) are much less common than they used to be. On average, first-year resident physicians (PGY1s) currently work a total of 4 EDS per year and 3 EDS per month during months in which any EDS are worked.

Glutathione, Vitamin C, and Cysteine Use in Autistic Children With Disruptive Behavior: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Pilot Study.

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication differences and restricted interests. One proposed biologic mechanism underlying ASD is oxidative stress, leading to the clinical use of glutathione based on anecdotal reports of improved behavior in autistic children. In this pilot study, we tested this observation using a randomized clinical trial format to collect preliminary data on glutathione safety and efficacy.

Accelerated epigenetic ageing after burn injury.

Individuals who suffer a major burn injury are at higher risk of developing a range of age-associated diseases prematurely leading to an increase in mortality in adult and juvenile burn injury survivors. One possible explanation is that injury is accelerating the biological ageing process. To test this hypothesis, we analysed DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from adult burn-injured patients (> 5%TBSA) upon admission to hospital and 6 months later, to calculate an epigenetic clock value which can be used to determine biological age.

Masking is good, but conforming is better: The consequences of masking non-conformity within the college classroom.

In the years following the acute COVID-19 crisis, facemask mandates became increasingly rare, rendering masking a highly visible personal choice. Across three studies conducted in the U.S.