Structural Dynamics of SNARE Complex Assembly in the Ribbon Synapses Observed by smFRET.

Single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) is a powerful technique for studying the structural dynamics of protein molecules or detecting interactions between protein molecules in real time. Due to the high sensitivity in spatial and temporal resolution, smFRET can decipher sub-populations within heterogeneous native state conformations, which are generally lost in traditional measurements due to ensemble averaging. In addition, the single-molecule reconstitution allows protein molecules to be observed for an extensive period of time and can recapitulate the geometry of the cellular environment to retain biological function.

Transforming an ATP-dependent enzyme into a dissipative, self-assembling system.

Nucleoside triphosphate (NTP)-dependent protein assemblies such as microtubules and actin filaments have inspired the development of diverse chemically fueled molecular machines and active materials but their functional sophistication has yet to be matched by design. Given this challenge, we asked whether it is possible to transform a natural adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent enzyme into a dissipative self-assembling system, thereby altering the structural and functional mode in which chemical energy is used. Here we report that FtsH (filamentous temperature-sensitive protease H), a hexameric ATPase involved in membrane protein degradation, can be readily engineered to form one-dimensional helical nanotubes.

Short- and Mid-Term Outcomes Following ALIF and TLIF in L5-S1 Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Patients.

Background: A limited number of studies have compared the outcomes of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) to transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis. This study aims to compare postoperative complications between these two surgical approaches.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed using a large national database.

Examining Discrimination as a Distal Moderator of the Proximal Association Between LGBQ+ College Students' Alcohol Use and Cyber Dating Abuse.

Comprehensive and inclusive dating abuse prevention is hindered by a lack of research on proximal antecedents of cyber dating abuse (CDA) among lesbian, gay, bi-/pansexual, queer, and other nonheterosexual (LGBQ+) young adults. Guided by sexual minority stress and alcohol-related violence theories, we addressed this gap by examining whether (a) alcohol use preceded and was positively related to CDA perpetration and (b) more frequent LGBQ+-based discrimination strengthened this association. LGBQ+ college students ( = 41; 75.

The telomere connection between aging and cancer: The burden of replication stress and dysfunction.

Aging is a complex process that affects individuals at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and systemic levels, arising from the cumulative effects of damage and diminished repair mechanisms. This process leads to the onset of age-related diseases, including cancer, which exhibits increased incidence with age. Telomeres, the protective caps at chromosome ends, play a crucial role in genome stability and are closely connected with aging and age-related disorders.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer brain metastases: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

Background: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has shown promising activity in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. In this updated meta-analysis, we explore the effectiveness of T-DXd in a large subset of patients with HER2-positive BC and CNS disease.

Methods: A systematic search was made on September 16th, 2024, for studies investigating T-DXd in the scenario of HER2-positive BC and brain metastases (BMs) and/or leptomeningeal disease (LMD).

Stormwater controls for channel stability: Focusing on bed material transport prevents degradation.

The hydrologic benefits of catchment-scale implementation of stormwater control measures (SCMs) in mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization are well established. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that the Unified Stormwater Sizing Criteria (USSC) regulations, mandating the combined use of distributed and storage stormwater controls, do not protect channel stability, despite their effectiveness in reducing runoff from impervious surfaces. The USSC are the basis of SCM design in 11 U.

Impacts of climate change on storm event-based flow regime and channel stability of urban headwater streams.

Due to the recent improved availability of global and regional climate change (CC) models and associated data, the projected impact of CC on urban stormwater management is well documented. However, most studies are based on simplified design storm analysis and unit-area runoff models; evaluations of the long-term, continuous hydrologic response of extensive stormwater control measures (SCM) implementation under future CC scenarios are limited. Moreover, channel stability in response to CC is seldom evaluated due to the input data required to develop a long-term, continuous sediment transport model.

Work-related Fatigue: Relationship between Perceived and Performance Fatigability in Career Firefighters.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to 1) examine the relationship between perceived work-related fatigue and performance fatigability, and 2) assess the impact of percent body fat (%BF) on perceived fatigue constructs in career firefighters.

Methods: Thirty-nine career firefighters completed body composition testing, the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery (OFER15) scale assessing three subscales of work-related fatigue (acute fatigue, chronic fatigue, and inter-shift recovery), and maximal leg extensor isometric strength testing prior to and following an isotonic fatiguing protocol.

Results: Performance fatigability was not associated with any of the OFER15 perceived work-related fatigue variables ( P ≥ 0.

Evaluating Delta-8-THC-Induced Psychosis: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: This study reviews literature on the psychiatric effects of delta-8-THC, particularly psychosis and severe mental health outcomes, to highlight the need for further research and regulation.

Background: Marijuana, the most widely used illicit drug in the United States, sees increasing use due to legalization. Although moderate use is generally safe, adverse effects can occur, especially in those with preexisting conditions.

Sex Affects Cognitive Outcomes in HIV-1 Tat Transgenic Mice: Role of CCR5.

People living with HIV (PLWH) experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), even though combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) suppresses HIV replication. HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (HIV-1 Tat) contributes to the development of HAND through neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic mechanisms. C-C chemokine 5 receptor (CCR5) is important in immune cell targeting and is a co-receptor for HIV viral entry into CD4+ cells.

Rabies transmitted from vampires to cattle: An overview.

Rabies is a zoonotic infectious disease of global distribution that impacts human and animal health. In rural Latin America, rabies negatively impacts food security and the economy due to losses in livestock production. The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, is the main reservoir and transmitter of rabies virus (RABV) to domestic animals in Latin America.

Teacher voices matter: The role of teacher autonomy in enhancing job satisfaction and mitigating burnout.

This study aims to explore variables associated with teacher burnout at the end of the 2021-2022 school year and shed light on teachers' mental health issues related to psychological factors. We collected survey data from 824 United States teachers. Using a moderated mediation analytic model, the results of this study showed that teachers' autonomy had considerable interaction effects on job satisfaction and burnout with other variables in this study (i.

The impact of resident involvement and postgraduate year on head and neck surgery for obstructive sleep apnea.

To assess the impact of resident involvement and resident postgraduate year (PGY) on head and neck obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgical outcomes. We analyzed head and neck OSA surgeries from 2005-2012 via the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative variables were analyzed via multivariate regression to determine the impact of resident involvement and resident PGY on 30-day outcomes.

Specialty palliative care use among cancer patients: A population-based study.

Background: Rigorous population-based assessments of the use of specialty palliative care (SPC) in the US are rare.

Settings/subjects: This study examined SPC use among cancer patients in a mid-sized metropolitan area in Southeast US.

Measurements: In this cancer decedent cohort study, data were acquired and linked from the state-wide cancer registry; state-wide hospital discharge dataset; and local SPC providers.

Economic Impact of the Apoyo con Cariño Intervention: Improving Palliative Care for Hispanics with Serious Illness.

Specialty palliative care has been associated with cost savings at the end of life, while patient navigators have been independently associated with cost savings due to screening and treatment early in the course of disease. Evidence is limited regarding patient navigators and cost savings at the end of life. To determine the cost-effectiveness of a lay patient navigator intervention in improving palliative care outcomes for Hispanic persons with serious noncancer illness.

Fever in the Trauma Bay: A Marker for Greater Risk of Adverse Outcomes.

Previous work identified a sub-group of trauma patients at risk for bacteremia who presented with signs of infection, including fever. A majority were older adult falls who had early onset bacteremia. Fever in the trauma bay is associated with a greater risk of adverse outcomes and identifies patients who might benefit from early initiation of interventions for sepsis.