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A recent study from Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new bacterial virulence factor, T-Mac, in the periodontal pathogen Treponema denticola. This factor allows bacteria to evade the host's immune defenses by targeting both the complement system and neutrophil activation. The research highlights the importance of investigating the role of cysteine proteases and immunoglobulin-like domains in bacterial pathogens, shedding light on novel innate immunity-evasion strategies. The study has been peer-reviewed and offers valuable insights into bacterial infections and mycoses. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Eastern Kentucky University explored the time-use and health management routines of individuals with tetraplegia, focusing on factors influencing participation in daily activities. The research utilized narrative inquiry methods to collect data and identified five interpretive stories highlighting the impact of situational contexts on routines and reliance on caregivers. The findings aim to assist clinicians in designing interventions that consider the evolving nature of disability over time. This peer-reviewed study provides valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals with tetraplegia, offering potential implications for healthcare professionals. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study comparing the screening and diagnosis of historical mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in military and veteran cohorts. The study found that the Long-term Impact of Military-relevant Brain Injury Consortium (LIMBIC-CENC) research process identified more positive concussive event screens and mild TBI diagnoses during combat deployment compared to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) clinical system. The research highlighted demographic and military service variables that influenced discrepancies between the two systems, emphasizing the need for further investigation to improve TBI screening processes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on the biomechanical properties of cell-derived fibronectin fibrils, which are essential for processes like embryonic development and wound healing. The research highlighted the mechanical properties of these fibrils, including their elasticity, pre-conditioning behavior, and time-dependent viscoelastic response. These findings could have significant implications for understanding cellular responses in fibrotic diseases and embryonic development. The study was supported by the NSF - Directorate for Engineering and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University explored the discriminative stimulus properties of alpha-ethyltryptamine (alpha-ET) in rats, comparing its effects to MDMA and MDA. The research, funded by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that alpha-ET stimulus effects are similar to those of MDMA and MDA, with synthesized analogs producing varying levels of alpha-ET-like responses. The study suggests that future investigations of these analogs should be approached individually, cautioning against broad extrapolations of alpha-ET effects. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University explored sex and gender differences in weight-related factors among adults receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. The research found that females had a higher median BMI than males and were more likely to experience weight-related social and clinical vulnerabilities. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing treatment approaches that support individuals with opioid use disorder. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Jeanann Gray Dunlap Foundation and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on an automated dose accumulation process during MR-guided online adaptive radiotherapy for prostate cancer patients. The research found moderate differences between planned and accumulated doses, highlighting the importance of accurate dose accumulation for adaptive plans. The automated workflow developed in collaboration with MIM Software Inc. demonstrated high accuracy compared to manual accumulation methods. For more information, readers can refer to the Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics. [Extracted from the article]

A study from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine explores the sex bias in lung cancer, with males showing increased mortality compared to females. The research suggests that targeting the TRAIL-Bcl-XL axis could be a personalized therapy to improve outcomes in women with lung cancer. This study highlights the potential for personalized medicine in treating lung cancer based on sex differences. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have conducted a study on sex-related differences in cognitive deficits in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The study found that HIV-1 Tat effects on CREB/Arc signaling may differ between sexes, contributing to variations in cognitive deficits observed in people living with HIV. This research, supported by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, highlights the importance of understanding gender-specific impacts on cognitive functions in individuals with HIV/AIDS. For more information, readers can refer to the published article in Neuroscience Letters. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses new findings on clinical trial research related to reducing LDL-C levels and ASCVD risk through PCSK9-directed therapies. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University highlight the importance of lowering LDL-C levels to reduce ASCVD risk, especially for patients with statin intolerance or suboptimal response. The study explores the efficacy, safety, and role of current and emerging PCSK9-directed therapies in clinical practice, focusing on monoclonal antibodies and small interfering RNA therapies targeting PCSK9. The research emphasizes the need for additional non-statin therapies and the potential benefits of PCSK9-directed therapies for higher-risk patients with established ASCVD or familial hypercholesterolemia. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Western Sydney University conducted a study on nurse academics' self-reported confidence and anxiety levels when teaching nursing numeracy to undergraduate nursing students. The study found that almost 50% of participants reported feeling anxious or lacking confidence when teaching nursing numeracy, which could impact student learning and patient safety. The research suggests that strategies to reduce anxiety in school teachers could also benefit nurse academics in teaching numeracy effectively. This study was published in Nurse Education Today and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University explored the impact of chronic adolescent stress and repeated endotoxin exposure on behavior, synaptic mitochondria, and microglia in adult male and female rats. The research found that repeated endotoxin exposure impaired working memory in both sexes, with differences in spatial memory and anxiety-like behavior between males and females. While stress did not affect synaptic mitochondrial function, repeated endotoxin exposure altered ATP production in females and microglia morphology in females. The study concluded that chronic stress and endotoxin challenge had long-term impacts, but did not always interact in affecting physiological and behavioral metrics. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University explored the effects of the Kappa-opioid receptor antagonist Nor-binaltorphimine on methamphetamine-vs-food choice in male rhesus monkeys. The research found that the KOR antagonist did not significantly decrease methamphetamine choice and may have even increased methamphetamine reinforcement. These results suggest that KOR antagonism could potentially enhance methamphetamine use rather than reduce it, challenging previous hypotheses. The study was supported by various organizations, including the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse and the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on using computational fluid dynamics to characterize extrathoracic aerosol deposition in pediatric subjects when using air-jet dry powder inhalers. The research aimed to enhance the understanding of aerosol delivery to children's lungs through oral or nasal routes. The study's findings may contribute to the development of next-generation inhaled medications with improved lung delivery and targeted airway deposition. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights for planning pediatric aerosol therapy and medication administration. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the California Department of Public Health conducted a study comparing the diagnostic transitions of cystic fibrosis (CF) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related metabolic syndrome (CRMS) in California since the onset of newborn screening. The study found that children who transitioned from CRMS to CF were more likely to develop positive biochemical markers than other patients diagnosed with CRMS. This research, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, highlights the importance of long-term observations and diagnostic metrics in identifying and managing CF and CRMS cases. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on the relationship between food and housing insecurity and healthcare use among Virginia Medicaid expansion members. The study found that food insecurity was associated with fewer primary care visits and more emergency department visits, with differences based on rurality and neighborhood characteristics. The research suggests that efforts to coordinate medical and social service benefits, taking into account local context, may improve access to necessary care for Medicaid expansion members. The study was peer-reviewed and published in Health Services Research. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on using mixed reality technology to teach medical students lumbar punctures. The study aimed to assess the feasibility and usability of mixed-reality training compared to traditional simulation training. Results showed that many students found mixed reality to be an acceptable and effective modality for training healthcare professionals in performing lumbar punctures. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in The American Journal of Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on Veterans Health, focusing on predictors of readiness to change and continued drinking following a brief alcohol intervention in veterans seen in hepatology clinics. The study involved 414 men with liver disease, with 35% having a positive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) score and receiving the intervention. Results showed that concomitant tobacco use was associated with lower readiness to quit alcohol, and older patients with cirrhosis and anxiety were more likely to continue drinking after 6 months. The study concluded that targeted brief interventions for alcohol use in veterans are feasible, but certain patient groups may require more longitudinal attention to sustain interest in reducing problem drinking. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Virginia Commonwealth University examined trust in oncology providers among a diverse group of breast cancer patients. The research found that Black women reported lower trust in providers compared to White women. Factors such as general satisfaction with care, technical quality of the provider, interpersonal manner of the provider, and provider communication were significantly associated with higher trust in providers. The study suggests that efforts are needed to build trusting relationships between Black women and their oncology providers to reduce disparities in cancer care. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have identified the Zfp189 transcription factor as a key player in facilitating cocaine-induced molecular and behavioral adaptations in the nucleus accumbens. By manipulating the transcriptional function of ZFP189, they found that it specifically alters behavioral responses to cocaine but not to other substances like morphine or saline. This study sheds light on the brain mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction and suggests potential therapeutic interventions to disrupt these processes. The research was funded by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse and has been peer-reviewed for publication in Molecular Psychiatry. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Virginia Commonwealth University discusses a case of angiosarcoma of the scalp that mimicked inflammatory alopecia. The 72-year-old female patient initially presented with hair loss and pruritus, which was clinically diagnosed as lichen planopilaris. However, further examination revealed angiosarcoma, emphasizing the importance of considering unexpected malignancies in cases of suspected inflammatory alopecia. The patient underwent radiation and chemotherapy with a clinical response and stable disease for several years. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of rare skin conditions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University found that greater and earlier exposure to a mother's own milk, compared to donor human milk, can moderate the risk and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm very low birth weight infants. The research, which was supported by the Gerber Foundation and Division of Neonatal Medicine JACK's Summer Scholar Fund, involved a retrospective chart review of infants born at the Children's Hospital of Richmond from 2019 to 2021. The study concluded that infants exposed to mother's own milk within the first 3 days and 7 days of life had a lower incidence of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, highlighting the importance of early and greater total exposure to mother's milk in preterm infants. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Virginia Commonwealth University discusses the use of a machine learning algorithm to avoid unnecessary paracentesis for the exclusion of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhosis patients in resource-limited settings. The algorithm, trained on patient data from 2009 to 2019, showed high negative predictive values for SBP in different cohorts, suggesting its potential to streamline the burden of timely paracentesis. The research concludes that applying this model could help in excluding patients unlikely to have SBP, thus reducing the need for paracentesis in resource-limited settings. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on liver fibrosis, focusing on the role of Sphingosine Kinase 2 (SphK2) in altering redox metabolism and enhancing inflammation in a diet-induced mouse model. The study found that SphK2 depletion led to increased hepatic lipid accumulation, redox dysregulation, and inflammatory gene expression. These findings suggest that SphK2-derived S1P plays a crucial role in maintaining hepatic redox metabolism and influencing inflammation in the progression of liver diseases. The research was funded by various organizations, including the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institutes of Health. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on cirrhosis, focusing on vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and its relationship to clinical outcomes in liver transplant recipients. The study included 362 adult LT recipients and found that high LSM values were associated with increased all-cause mortality and new onset cirrhosis, while higher CAP values were linked to an increased risk of myocardial infarction. The research suggests that VCTE-based parameters could be used in clinical risk-stratification strategies to improve outcomes for liver transplant recipients. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of breastfeeding as a public health strategy for child development and maternal health. It highlights the disparities in breastfeeding practices between low- and high-income countries and proposes strategies to enhance breastfeeding support, including community-driven initiatives, embedding counseling in national health programs, improving maternity leave policies, and regulating commercial milk formula marketing. The research aims to reduce health disparities and drive progress towards meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on evaluating the potential use of in vitro nasal models to assess nasal spray performance for drug delivery systems. The study utilized anatomically realistic nasal airway models of adult and pediatric subjects to measure regional drug deposition values. Results indicated that pediatric models generally showed higher posterior drug deposition compared to adult models, with the majority of deposition concentrated in the front and inferior meatus regions. The research concluded that anatomical differences among subjects may impact nasal spray performance across different products. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University focused on inborn errors of metabolism in neonates and pediatrics undergoing kidney replacement therapy (KRT). The research aimed to evaluate survival rates and reductions in ammonia and leucine levels across different KRT modalities, such as continuous KRT, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. The findings suggested that continuous KRT may be associated with lower mortality rates compared to hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, with potential benefits including prevention of rebound hyperammonemia and improved hemodynamic control. The study concluded that all modalities demonstrated comparable efficacy in reducing toxic metabolite levels. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a compound that can sensitize murine triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy by inhibiting the P-glycoprotein efflux pump. This compound, AU1, was found to bind to active regions of the efflux pump, potentially addressing drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. The research, funded by the United States Department of Defense and NIH National Cancer Institute, offers a novel approach to overcoming chemotherapy resistance in this aggressive form of breast cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on the impact of healthcare providers' implicit racial attitudes on clinical recommendations. The study found that providers with more biased implicit racial attitudes used fewer words and provided fewer recommendations for Black patients compared to White patients. This research highlights the need to consider how implicit racial attitudes can influence healthcare provision and decision-making. The study was published in Social Science & Medicine and can be accessed online for further information. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on the role of AEG-1 in promoting metabolic dysfunction and liver diseases like MASH and HCC. They found that palmitoylation of AEG-1 influences gene regulation in different zones of the liver, leading to activation of pro-inflammatory pathways in specific hepatocytes. The study highlights the importance of understanding how gene regulation in different liver zones contributes to metabolic dysfunction and liver diseases. For more information, readers can refer to the Journal of Biological Chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on the dendritic morphological development of new neurons in the dentate gyrus following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its impact on cognitive recovery. The research highlighted the importance of post-injury generated new neurons in cognitive recovery after TBI and the role of Notch1 in regulating their maturation process. The study utilized transgenic mice to examine dendritic morphology and the molecular mechanisms controlling this process. This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the NIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University conducted a study on the effects of the monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor MJN110 on pain-related depression in mice. The study found that repeated treatment with MJN110 produced weak but sustained antinociception in male mice, while females developed antinociceptive tolerance. The research suggests that while MJN110 may have therapeutic potential for analgesia, antinociceptive tolerance could limit its effectiveness in pain treatment. The study was supported by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Virginia Commonwealth University discusses the use of aptamers to inhibit the proinflammatory effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and alleviate islet inflammation in pancreatic islet cell transplantation. The research findings suggest that aptamers could serve as anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating agents for cellular transplant therapy. The study was funded by the Department of Defense and involved single-molecule binding analysis to assess the aptamers' ability to block TNF alpha activity. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in Vaccine Weekly discusses the findings of a statewide outbreak of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y in Virginia from 2022 to 2024. The outbreak resulted in 36 genetically related cases, including seven deaths, with a majority of patients not typically at increased risk for invasive meningococcal disease. The Virginia Department of Health recommended selective vaccination of close contacts due to the lack of a well-defined population at risk. This research highlights the need for novel control strategies in managing outbreaks of infectious diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by investigators from Virginia Commonwealth University examined the impact of Immunization eCare plans in a community-based pharmacy setting. The eCare plans, which are electronic documentation and billing platforms, were found to increase the number of vaccines administered by 136.6% after implementation. The research concluded that Immunization eCare plans are a valuable tool for pharmacists to enhance vaccination rates in independent pharmacies. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on the impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on patients with heart failure who had previously undergone anthracycline-based cancer treatments. The study found that SGLT2i use was associated with reduced risks of cachexia, malnutrition, adult failure to thrive, and all-cause mortality in these patients. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to determine if SGLT2i can improve nutritional status and survival in patients with heart failure who have received anthracycline therapy. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University focused on the impact of socioeconomic status, measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) within the Veterans Health Care Administration (VHA). The research found that there was no significant difference in postoperative complications, readmission rates, or mortality based on ADI quintiles at the local or national level. The study suggests that the comprehensive care provided by the VHA may help mitigate postoperative complications in patients undergoing EVAR, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Further research is recommended to explore the role of area deprivation in healthcare and EVAR outcomes among veterans. [Extracted from the article]