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Microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) leverages the strong interaction between matter and electrons to determine protein structures from vanishingly small crystals. This strong interaction limits the thickness of crystals that can be investigated by MicroED, mainly due to absorption. Recent studies have demonstrated that focused ion-beam (FIB) milling can thin crystals into ideal-sized lamellae; however, it is not clear how to best apply FIB milling for MicroED. Here, the effects of polishing the lamellae, whereby the last few nanometers are milled away using a low-current gallium beam, are explored in both the platinum-precoated and uncoated samples. Our results suggest that precoating samples with a thin layer of platinum followed by polishing the crystal surfaces prior to data collection consistently led to superior results as indicated by higher signal-to-noise ratio, higher resolution, and better refinement statistics. This study lays the foundation for routine and reproducible methodology for sample preparation in MicroED.

The synthesis and characterisation of two series of cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystal dimers containing sulfur links between the spacer and mesogenic units, the 4ʹ-[1,ω-alkanediylbis(thio)]bis-[1,1ʹ-biphenyl]-4-carbonitriles (CBSnSCB), and 4ʹ-({ω-[(4ʹ-cyano[1,1ʹ-biphenyl]-4-yl)oxy]alkyl}thio)[1,1ʹ-biphenyl]-4-carbonitriles (CBSnOCB) are described. The odd members of both series show twist-bend nematic and nematic phases, whereas the even members exhibit only the nematic phase. An analogous cyanoterphenyl-based dimer, 34-{6-[(4ʹ-cyano[1,1ʹ-biphenyl]-4-yl)thio]-hexyl}[11,21:24,31-terphenyl]-14-carbonitrile (CT6SCB), is also reported and shows enantiotropic NTB and N phases. The transitional properties of these dimers are discussed in terms of molecular curvature, flexibility and biaxiality. The same molecular factors also influence the birefringence of nematic phases. Resonant X-ray scattering studies of the twist-bend nematic phase at both the carbon and sulfur absorption edges were performed, which allowed for the determination of critical behaviour of the helical pitch at the transition to the nematic phase, the behaviour was found to be independent of molecular structure. It was also observed that despite the different molecular bending angle and flexibility, in all compounds the helical pitch length far from the N-NTB transition corresponds to 4 longitudinal molecular distances.

Microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) allows for macromolecular structure solution from nanocrystals. To create crystals of suitable size for MicroED data collection, sample preparation typically involves sonication or pipetting a slurry of crystals from a crystallization drop. The resultant crystal fragments are fragile and the quality of the data that can be obtained from them is sensitive to subsequent sample preparation for cryoelectron microscopy as interactions in the water-air interface can damage crystals during blotting. Here, we demonstrate the use of a focused ion beam to generate lamellae of macromolecular protein crystals for continuous rotation MicroED that are of ideal thickness, easy to locate, and require no blotting optimization. In this manner, crystals of nearly any size may be scooped and milled to desired dimensions prior to data collection, thus streamlining the methodology for sample preparation for MicroED.

BackgroundTechnology use, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pump therapy, is associated with improved outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In 2017 CGM was universally funded for youth with T1D in Australia. In contrast, pump access is primarily accessed through private health insurance, self-funding or philanthropy. The study aim was to investigate the use of diabetes technology across different socioeconomic groups in Australian youth with T1D, in the setting of two contrasting funding models.MethodsA cross-sectional evaluation of 4957 youth with T1D aged

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate complex cognitive function, manual dexterity and psycho-physiological parameters in tradesmen working outdoors in the mining industry during summer and winter.Methods: Twenty-six males working in a mining village in the north-west of Australia were assessed pre- and post-an 11-h shift at the start, middle, and end of a 14-day swing in summer (average daily temperature: 33.9°C, 38% RH; n = 12) and winter (24.3°C, 36% RH; n = 14).Results: Working memory performance did not differ between seasons, over the swing or shift (p ≥ 0.053). Processing efficiency and manual dexterity performance did not differ between seasons (p ≥ 0.243), yet improved over the course of the swing (p ≤ 0.001) and shift (p ≤ 0.001). Core temperature, heart rate, thermal comfort, rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation were not significantly different between seasons (p ≥ 0.076); however, average shift dehydration was greater in winter compared to summer (1.021 ± 0.005 vs. 1.018 ± 0.006; p = 0.014).Conclusion: The ability to self-regulate the intensity of activity likely helped outdoor workers to thermoregulate effectively, minimising thermal strain during their swings and shifts, in turn explaining unaltered cognitive function and manual dexterity performance between seasons. Regardless of season, workers should receive education on dehydration and workplace risks to protect their health.

Many autotrophic bacteria rely on Rubisco for carbon dioxide fixation. Here the authors report the position, orientation, and structure of Rubisco within alpha-carboxysomes; showing how it polymerizes and can form a lattice inside this compartment.

Abstract This scoping review synthesizes the existing research on the use of very low‐calorie diets (VLCDs) in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). 19 studies were included, of which 5 were clinical trials, 11 were cohort studies, 1 was a case‐control study, and 2 were case series totaling 968 subjects. About 17 studies were focused on patients with NAFLD while the two case series described in patients with ESLD on the transplant list or post‐liver transplant. Six studies included subjects managed with VLCDs prior bariatric surgery. Most studies were short term and demonstrated acute improvement of diverse liver biomarkers including liver function tests, indices of hepatosteatosis and reduction in liver size. Adherence rates in these studies were between 69% and 93%. Eight studies did not report any adverse events and four subjects were reported to have discontinued VLCD due to adverse effects in two different studies. Aggregated adverse events were mild. Treatments based on VLCD in subjects with NAFLD seem to be safe and tolerable but can result in mild adverse effects. The findings of this scoping review suggest that the use of VLCD in patients with obesity complicated with NAFLD and potentially in ESLD appear to be effective to induce weight loss and to acutely reduce hepatosteatosis.

Background: Excellent results have been reported for anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for the treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). We aim to assess the recovery curve and longitudinal effects of time, age, sex, and glenoid morphology on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after primary anatomic TSA for primary GHOA. Methods: Patients who underwent primary anatomic TSA over 5 years ago were included: Short-Form 12 Physical Component Summary, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Linear mixed-effects models were used to model progression in PROs longitudinally. Unadjusted models and models controlling for sex and age were constructed. Results: Eighty-one patients (91 shoulders) were included. Significant improvements from the preoperative period to 1 year postoperatively in the median American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (48 to 93; P

Hypothesis: Both clinical outcomes and early rates of failure will not be associated with glenoid retroversion. Methods: All patients who underwent an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with minimal, noncorrective reaming between 2006 and 2016 with minimum 2-year follow-up were reviewed. Measurements for retroversion, inclination, and posterior subluxation were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography. A regression analysis was performed to assess the association between retroversion, inclination and subluxation, and their effect on patient reported outcomes (PROs). Clinical failures and complications were reported. Results: One hundred fifty-one anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (90% follow-up) with a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (range, 2-12 years) were assessed. The mean preoperative retroversion was 15.6° (range, 0.2-42.1), the mean posterior subluxation was 15.1% (range, −3.6 to 44.1%), and the mean glenoid inclination was 13.9° (range, −11.3 to 44.3). All median outcome scores improved significantly from pre- to post-operatively (P

Abstract Objectives To establish and validate a novel method for aligning femoral rotation to accurately measure femoral offset for preoperative templating and component sizing, and to identify the physical location of two radiographic lines utilized in the described method. Materials and methods Cadaveric proximal femurs were skeletonized and mounted to a biaxial load frame. Two radiographic lines along the greater trochanter were identified fluoroscopically. The femurs were rotated, and images were taken when the lines appeared superimposed, then in 2-degree increments to 10° of internal and external rotation, and at 30°. Radiographic femoral offset was calculated at each angle, and the maximum and aligned offsets were compared. Bone was removed until the radiographic lines disappeared, then a metal wire was inserted in place of the bone to confirm that the lines reappeared. Results The physical locations of the radiographic landmarks were on the anterior and posterior aspects of the greater trochanter. The mean true femoral offset was 38.2 mm (range, 30.5–46.3 mm). The mean aligned femoral offset was 37.3 mm (range, 29.3–46.3 mm), a 2.4% underestimation. The mean angle between aligned and true offset was 3.6° of external rotation (range, 10°ER-8°IR). Intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.991. Conclusion Alignment of the radiographic lines created by the anterior and posterior aspects of the greater trochanter is a reliable and accurate rotational positioning method for measuring true femoral offset when using plain films or fluoroscopy, which can aid surgeons with preoperative templating and intraoperative component placement for total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) therapy in a high-risk cohort of youth on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with or without continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with suboptimal glycemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a 6-month multicenter clinical trial, youth with type 1 diabetes with mean and most recent HbA1c >8.5% (65 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned 1:1 to AHCL or treatment as usual (CSII ± CGM). The primary outcome was the 24-week between-group difference in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes included CGM metrics from masked CGM and psychological measures (youth-reported problem areas in diabetes [PAID], quality of life, anxiety, depression, and hypoglycemia fear) assessed using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 42 participants were randomized (mean [SD] age 16.2 [2.5] years, HbA1c 9.8 [1.1]% or 84 [12] mmol/mol, PAID score 50.3 [19.8]). At study end, the mean (SD) HbA1c was 8.8 (1.1)% or 73 (12) mmol/mol with AHCL and 9.9 (1.2)% or 85 (13.1) mmol/mol with CSII ± CGM, with mean adjusted group difference of −0.77% (95% CI −1.45 to −0.09) or −8.4 mmol/mol (−15.8 to −1.0); P = 0.027. AHCL increased time in range 70–180 mg/dL (difference 19.1%; 95% CI 11.1 to 27.1), reduced time >180 mg/dL (difference −17.7%; 95% CI −26.6 to −8.8), with no increase in time spent <70 mg/dL (difference −0.8%; 95% CI −2.7 to 0.6). There was no evidence for difference in psychosocial outcomes between the two groups at study end. CONCLUSIONS: AHCL should be encouraged in youth with suboptimal glycemia, as AHCL improves glycemia. However, psychological support remains vital, as technology alone may not be able to reduce the burden of diabetes care in this subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate real‐world glycaemic outcomes in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) commencing advanced hybrid closed loop therapy (AHCL) and to explore these outcomes based on the cohort's clinical and socioeconomic characteristics. Methods: A single‐centre, population‐based retrospective study in children commencing AHCL (Smart Guard, Control IQ, CamAPS) with minimum 70% data from two‐weeks CGM pre‐AHCL was conducted between December 2021 and June 2023 in Western Australia. CGM metrics (time in range (TIR) 3.9–10 mmol/L, time below range (TBR) < 3.9 mmol/L, glucose management indicator (GMI)) were analysed at baseline, monthly and 6 months. HbA1c at baseline and 6 months were also collected. The proportion meeting glycaemic targets of TIR > 70%, TBR < 4% and GMI < 7.0% were determined. Change in TIR from baseline to 6 months was examined by the following characteristics: %TIR, age group and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Disadvantage (IRSD) of residential postcode. Results: CGM data of 309 children, mean (SD) age 12.4 (3.2) years were analysed. Glycaemia improved from baseline to 6 months with (mean) TIR +8% (95% CI 7, 9; P ≤ 0.001), GMI −0.3% (95% CI −0.3, −0.2; P < 0.001) and (median) TBR −0.3% (95% CI −0.4, −0.1; P < 0.001). Proportion meeting glycaemic targets increased from 13.3% at baseline to 30.6% at 6 months. Improvement in TIR did not differ based on age group or IRSD Quintile. Greater increase in TIR was seen in those with lowest TIR at baseline (+20.9%, −0.2%; P < 0.001 for baseline TIR < 40%, >70%). There was a 0.27% reduction in HbA1c in 6 months (n = 116) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: AHCL improves glycaemia, irrespective of age and socioeconomic characteristics, with greatest changes seen in those with lowest baseline TIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]