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.

Neurons as Immunomodulators: From Rapid Neural Activity to Prolonged Regulation of Cytokines and Microglia.

Regulation of the brain's neuroimmune system is central to development, normal function, and disease. Neuronal communication to microglia, the primary immune cells of the brain, is well known to involve purinergic signaling mediated via ATP secretion and the cytokine fractalkine. Recent evidence shows that neurons release multiple cytokines beyond fractalkine, yet these are less studied and poorly understood.

Urinary Metabolite Profiles of Participants with Overweight and Obesity Prescribed a Weight Loss High Fruit and Vegetable Diet: A Single Arm Intervention Study.

Background/objectives: Thus far, no studies have examined the relationship between fruit and vegetable (F and V) intake, urinary metabolite quantities, and weight change. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore changes in urinary metabolomic profiles during and after a 10-week weight loss intervention where participants were prescribed a high F and V diet (7 servings daily).

Methods: Adults with overweight and obesity ( = 34) received medical nutrition therapy counselling to increase their F and V intakes to national targets (7 servings a day).

YAP regulates periosteal expansion in fracture repair.

Bone fracture repair initiates by periosteal expansion. The periosteum is typically quiescent, but upon fracture, periosteal cells proliferate and contribute to bone fracture repair. The expansion of the periosteum is regulated by gene transcription; however, the molecular mechanisms behind periosteal expansion are unclear.

De novo generation of colorectal patient educational materials using large language models: Prompt engineering key to improved readability.

Background: Improving patient education has been shown to improve clinical outcomes and reduce disparities, though such efforts can be labor intensive. Large language models may serve as an accessible method to improve patient educational material. The aim of this study was to compare readability between existing educational materials and those generated by large language models.