Structural basis of nearest-neighbor cooperativity in the ring-shaped gene regulatory protein TRAP from protein engineering and cryo-EM.

The homo-dodecameric ring-shaped RNA binding attenuation protein (TRAP) from binds up to twelve tryptophan ligands (Trp) and becomes activated to bind a specific sequence in the 5' leader region of the operon mRNA, thereby downregulating biosynthesis of Trp. Thermodynamic measurements of Trp binding have revealed a range of cooperative behavior for different TRAP variants, even if the averaged apparent affinities for Trp have been found to be similar. Proximity between the ligand binding sites, and the ligand-coupled disorder-to-order transition has implicated nearest-neighbor interactions in cooperativity.

Palmitoylation-dependent association with Annexin II directs hepatitis E virus ORF3 sorting into vesicles and quasi-enveloped virions.

Historically considered to be nonenveloped, hepatitis E virus (HEV), an important zoonotic pathogen, has recently been discovered to egress from infected cells as quasi-enveloped virions. These quasi-enveloped virions circulating in the blood are resistant to neutralizing antibodies, thereby facilitating the stealthy spread of infection. Despite abundant evidence of the essential role of the HEV-encoded ORF3 protein in quasi-enveloped virus formation, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Anti-Mycobacterial Activity of Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors with Dioxygenated Linkers.

Developing new classes of drugs that are active against infections caused by is a priority for treating and managing this deadly disease. Here, we describe screening a small library of 20 DNA gyrase inhibitors and identifying new lead compounds. Three structurally diverse analogues were identified with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.

Beyond Increasing Sample Sizes: Optimizing Effect Sizes in Neuroimaging Research on Individual Differences.

Linking neurobiology to relatively stable individual differences in cognition, emotion, motivation, and behavior can require large sample sizes to yield replicable results. Given the nature of between-person research, sample sizes at least in the hundreds are likely to be necessary in most neuroimaging studies of individual differences, regardless of whether they are investigating the whole brain or more focal hypotheses. However, the appropriate sample size depends on the expected effect size.

Does Weekend Discharge Affect Readmission and Survival in Liver Transplant Patients? Insights From a Cohort Study.

Background: Weekend hospital discharges are often associated with reduced staffing, potentially impacting the quality of patient care. We studied the effects of weekend discharge after liver transplantation (LT) on early readmission rates, overall survival (OS), and graft survival (GS).

Method: We analyzed data from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center database (January 2016 to December 2023).

Probing the Neurodynamic Mechanisms of Cognitive Flexibility in Depressed Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social behavior and executive function (EF), particularly in cognitive flexibility. Whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve cognitive outcomes in patients with ASD remains an open question. We examined the acute effects of prefrontal TMS on cortical excitability and fluid cognition in individuals with ASD who underwent TMS for refractory major depression.

Radon Exposure and Gestational Diabetes.

Importance: Understanding environmental risk factors for gestational diabetes (GD) is crucial for developing preventive strategies and improving pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: To examine the association of county-level radon exposure with GD risk in pregnant individuals.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This multicenter, population-based cohort study used data from the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b) cohort, which recruited nulliparous pregnant participants from 8 US clinical centers between October 2010 and September 2013.

Recommendations from Imaging, Oncology, and Radiology Organizations to Guide Management in Prostate Cancer: Summary of Current Recommendations.

Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among male individuals in the United States and requires careful imaging approaches because of its varied presentations. This review examines prostate cancer imaging guidelines from leading organizations, including the American College of Radiology, American Urological Association, European Association of Urology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and serves as a reference highlighting commonalities and divergences in current imaging recommendations across prostate cancer states. We outline these organizations and their methods, focusing on their approaches to panel expertise, guideline development, evidence grading, and revision schedules.

Comparative Effectiveness of Outpatient COVID-19 Therapies in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Background: Multiple outpatient therapies have been developed for COVID-19 in high-risk individuals, but solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients were not well represented in controlled clinical trials. To date, few comparative studies have evaluated outcomes between outpatient therapies in this population.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using de-identified administrative claims data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse.

Genomic re-sequencing reveals mutational divergence across genetically engineered strains of model archaea.

Unlabelled: Archaeal molecular biology has been a topic of intense research in recent decades as their role in global ecosystems, nutrient cycles, and eukaryotic evolution comes to light. The hypersaline-adapted archaeal species and serve as important model organisms for understanding archaeal genomics, genetics, and biochemistry, in part because efficient tools enable genetic manipulation. As a result, the number of strains in circulation among the haloarchaeal research community has increased in recent decades.

Audio-Based Care for Managing Chronic Conditions in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Background: There is a lack of consensus on the effectiveness of audio-based care to manage chronic conditions. This knowledge gap has implications for health policy decisions and for health equity, as underserved populations are more likely to access care by telephone.

Objectives: We compared the effectiveness of audio-based care to usual care for managing chronic conditions (except diabetes).

Audio-Based Care for Managing Diabetes in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: We compared the effectiveness of audio-based care, as a replacement or a supplement to usual care, for managing diabetes.

Background: Diabetes is a chronic condition afflicting many in the United States. The impact of audio-based care on the health of individuals with diabetes is unclear, particularly for those at risk for disparities-many of whom may only be able to access telehealth services through telephone.

Audio-Based Care for Managing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Adults: A Systematic Review.

Background: Telehealth services can increase access to care by reducing barriers. Telephone-administered care, in particular, requires few resources and may be preferred by communities in areas that are systemically underserved. Understanding the effectiveness of audio-based care is important to combat the current mental health crisis and inform discussions related to reimbursement privileges.

Medicaid Policy and Hepatitis C Treatment Among Rural People Who Use Drugs.

Background: Restrictive Medicaid policies regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment may exacerbate rural health care disparities for people who use drugs (PWUD). We assessed associations between Medicaid restrictions and HCV treatment among rural PWUD.

Methods: We compiled state-specific Medicaid treatment policies across 8 US rural sites in 10 states and merged these with participant survey data.

Exploring Inclusion by Creating Inclusion: A World Café Among Nurse Scientists.

Background: The concept of inclusion within diversity, equity, and inclusion has broad meanings and implications and has not been explored in nursing through a World Café.

Purpose: To describe the process and experiences of 9 nurse scientists who hosted a World Café focused on inclusion, to share participants' insights, and to offer considerations to advance inclusion in nursing.

Approach: We hosted and encouraged active participation in a World Café that focused on 7 inclusion topics in nursing during the 2024 Midwestern Nursing Research Society Annual Research Conference.

Preventing Sexual Assault in Intellectual Disability.

Prevention of sexual assault in intellectual disability (ID) begins with defining the problem. There are identified risk factors and barriers faced by adults with ID who experience sexual assault. Research shows that individuals with ID are victimized by sexual assault at rates substantially higher than the general population.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of the Taking Care of Us Intervention for Couples Living With Heart Failure.

Background And Objectives: Despite the significant impact of heart failure on both members of the care dyad, few interventions focus on optimizing the health of the dyad. The current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of the novel Taking Care of Us (TCU) program with mid-late-life couples living with heart failure and explored preliminary efficacy.

Research Design And Methods: This NIH Stage I study used a 2-arm randomized controlled trial with pretest-post-test design and an additional 5-month follow-up to compare TCU with an educational counseling attention-control condition.

3D-Printable Elastomers for Real-Time Autonomous Self-Healing in Soft Devices.

Photocurable self-healing elastomers are promising candidates for producing complex soft devices that can mend damage. However, the practicality of these materials is limited by reliance on external stimuli, custom synthesis, manual realignment, and multihour healing cycles. This paper introduces a tough 3D-printable hybrid acrylate/thiol-ene elastomer (prepared with commercially available precursors) that exhibits nearly instantaneous damage repair in the absence of external stimuli.

Sternal Reconstruction for Refractory Pectus Excavatum From Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.

A 44-year-old man with a history of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and pectus excavatum presented with multiyear history of progressive, severe respiratory dysfunction, pain, recurrent respiratory infection, and chest wall deformity. With bioprosthetic engineers, the surgical team customized a 3-dimensional printed model of a sternal implant interacting with the patient's anatomy. After approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the customized sternal plates were created and implanted in a sternal reconstruction operation.

The Role of Environmental Exposures on Survival After Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Resection.

Background: Socioeconomic status and pollution exposure have been described as risk factors for poor survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the relationship between these factors is complex and inadequately studied. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between environmental and social factors and their impact on survival after NSCLC resection.

Human Applications of the Anstadt Cup: Implications for Non-Blood-Contacting Biventricular Support.

Background: Direct mechanical ventricular actuation (DMVA) with the Anstadt cup is effective for non-blood-contacting biventricular support. Pneumatic regulation of a silicone device augments ventricular pump function. Vacuum attachment facilitates diastolic augmentation critical for biventricular support.

Trial of Oxygen Delivery on Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Major Clinical Outcomes.

Background: Low oxygen delivery (DO2) on cardiopulmonary bypass has been associated with acute kidney injury. We sought to determine the association of intraoperative DO2, postoperative length of stay, and major postoperative events.

Methods: DO2 values were calculated in 845 patients after initiation, and every 30 minutes on bypass.

Bypass Grafting for Myocardial Infarction From Endocarditis Embolus to the Left Anterior Descending.

A 67-year-old man with aortic valve endocarditis presented with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and was found to have embolic vegetation occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. This patient was successfully treated with early aortic valve replacement, extraction of a vegetation embolus, and coronary artery bypass grafting over the site of extraction.