Rare variant associations with birth weight identify genes involved in adipose tissue regulation, placental function and insulin-like growth factor signalling.

Investigating the genetic factors influencing human birth weight may lead to biological insights into fetal growth and long-term health. We report analyses of rare variants that impact birth weight when carried by either fetus or mother, using whole exome sequencing data in up to 234,675 participants. Rare protein-truncating and deleterious missense variants are collapsed to perform gene burden tests.

Unraveling Crystal Phase-Driven Activity and Selectivity of WO for Photoelectrochemical Biomass Valorization.

Modulating the crystal phase of a photocatalyst significantly impacts its surface and photochemical properties, allowing for the adjustment of catalytic activity and selectivity, particularly in the electrooxidation reactions of biomass-derived chemicals. Herein, monoclinic and hexagonal phases of WO are employed as photoanodes for the photoelectrochemical conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF). The monoclinic phase demonstrated exceptional performance in photoelectrocatalytic HMF oxidation, achieving remarkable photocurrent densities (1.

Emerging and re-emerging viral infections of the central nervous system in Australasia and beyond.

Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) have been emerging and re-emerging worldwide, and the Australasia region has not been spared. Enterovirus A71 and enterovirus D68, both human enteroviruses, are likely to replace the soon-to-be eradicated poliovirus to cause global outbreaks associated with neurological disease. Although prevalent elsewhere, the newly emergent orthoflavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus (genotype IV), caused human infections in Australia in 2021, and almost certainly will continue to do so because of spillovers from the natural animal host-vector life cycle endemic in the country.

Development and Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial of Healthy Ketogenic Diet Versus Energy-Restricted Diet on Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity.

: The ketogenic diet (KD) is widely used for weight management by reducing appetite, enhancing fat oxidation, and facilitating weight loss. However, the high content of total and saturated fats in a conventional KD may elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the need for healthier alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a newly developed Healthy Ketogenic Diet (HKD) versus an Energy-Restricted Diet (ERD) on weight loss and metabolic outcomes among adults with obesity.

Evaluating Treatment Outcomes in Women with Node-Negative T1 Breast Cancers.

Background: With greater awareness and increased screening, cancers are increasingly being diagnosed at stage I. Women with these small node-negative tumours have excellent survival prospects after surgery, but many women, especially those with triple-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2-positive tumours, still receive adjuvant systemic treatments to reduce the recurrence risk.

Aims: We review the outcomes of women diagnosed with stage I (T1N0M0) tumours in our unit and examine the effect of systemic chemotherapy with/without targeted therapy on recurrence patterns and survival outcomes.