A conserved fertilization complex bridges sperm and egg in vertebrates.

Fertilization, the basis for sexual reproduction, culminates in the binding and fusion of sperm and egg. Although several proteins are known to be crucial for this process in vertebrates, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using an AlphaFold-Multimer screen, we identified the protein Tmem81 as part of a conserved trimeric sperm complex with the essential fertilization factors Izumo1 and Spaca6.

The Echo Report Understood: Improving Education in Echocardiography for Junior Doctors.

With echocardiography standing as the most widely used cardiac imaging modality, echocardiography report interpretation is a core responsibility of junior doctors. The literature, however, reveals a deficit in echocardiography education. The implications of this for patient care should not be ignored.

Respiratory diphtheria in the time of Omicron.

Diphtheria is a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of corynebacteria, most often and less commonly . Incidence of the disease has fallen significantly since the introduction of vaccination programs; it is now rare in countries with high vaccination coverage such as Australia. This article presents the most recent respiratory cases of diphtheria in two children in New South Wales-the first locally acquired childhood cases in Australia in 30 years-and discusses potential contributing factors.

Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in High-Risk Pediatric Trauma Patients.

Importance: The indications, safety, and efficacy of chemical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (cVTE) in pediatric trauma patients remain unclear. A set of high-risk criteria to guide cVTE use was recently recommended; however, these criteria have not been evaluated prospectively.

Objective: To examine high-risk criteria and cVTE use in a prospective multi-institutional study of pediatric trauma patients.