Digital Commons Network^™

Asian Reference Values For Handgrip Strength, Gait Speed, Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand Test, Muscle Mass And Calf Circumference, Jozo Grgic, Siew Ling Tey, Dieu Thi Huynh, Yen Ling Low, Zeljko Pedisic, Nina Schaller, Vanessa Kristina Wazny, Weilan Wang, Yasuhiko Saito, Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya, Hala Ghattas Ph.D., Monique Chaaya, Carlos Mendes De Leon, Preeti Gupta, Ecosse L. Lamoureux, Mythily Subramaniam, Edimansyah Abdin, Rahul Malhotra, Angelique Chan, Bayasgalan Tumenbayar, Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

Background:

Handgrip strength, gait speed, Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) performance, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference are important health outcomes, particularly useful for diagnosing sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to establish reference (normative) values for handgrip strength, gait speed, FTSST performance, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference by pooling individual participant data from national cohorts in Asia.

Methods:

We conducted a pooled analysis of individual participant data from 20 national cohorts representing 12 Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka). We included cohorts with data on at least …

Individual Characteristics And National Income Modify The Association Between Cognitive Social Capital And Food Insecurity: Evidence From The Gallup World Poll, 2014–2021, Sejla Isanovic, Kegan O'Connor, Audrey L. Richards, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background: Food insecurity affects >2.4 billion people globally and persists across income levels. Characteristics such as low income, low education, and unstable employment do not fully explain this persistence. Social resources embedded in networks, specifically cognitive social capital involving trust, reciprocity, and support, may offset constraints and buffer characteristics associated with a higher probability of food insecurity.

Objectives: This study examined whether social capital was associated with a lower probability of food insecurity and whether this as sociation varied by individual characteristics and country contexts, consistent with buffering and compensation.

Methods: Data were drawn from the Gallup World Poll (2014–2021), …

Obesogenic Behaviors During Structured Periods Among Children And Adolescents With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Keagan P. Kiely, Keith Brazendale, Mckenna Hill, Sarah Burkart, Michael Beets Med, Mph, Phd, Elizabeth L. Adams Phd, Bridget Armstrong, Christine St. Laurent, Abigail L. Hogan Ph.D., James W. White Iii, Olivia Finnegan, Joshua Culverhouse, Anthony Holmes, Robert Glenn Weaver Med, Phd

Faculty Publications

Background:

Children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk for obesity and poor obesogenic behaviors (e.g., physical activity, screen time, diet, sleep) than their typically developing counterparts. The Structured Days Hypothesis (SDH) suggests that in typically developing children and adolescents, obesogenic behaviors worsen during periods of reduced structure (e.g., weekend or summer vacation). However, children and adolescents with IDD have unique factors that may alter how structure (i.e., pre-planned, segmented, adult supervised, out-of-home programs) influences obesogenic behaviors. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine obesogenic behaviors during periods of more …

Understanding The Epidemiology Of Malaria In Zanzibar Through Molecular And Serological Analysis Of Samples Collected During Reactive Case Detection, Vanrun Goel, Wahida Hassan, Caroline Murphy, Barbara B. Choloi, Mohamed Ali, Shija J. Shija, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Anders Björkman, Billey E. Ngasala, Eric Rogier, Jonathan J. Juliano, Jessica T. Lin

Faculty Publications

Background

The Zanzibar archipelago has been a pre-elimination region for malaria thanks to rigorous control interventions, but recent surges in malaria cases have been observed. The contribution of non-falciparum species to the current malaria situation is unknown.

Method

This study investigates the epidemiology of falciparum and non-falciparum malaria species in Zanzibar. Leveraging plasma extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) collected during reactive case detection (RCD) activities across Unguja island from May 2022 to January 2023, we measured immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to Plasmodium MSP1-19kD antigens using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Additionally, active infections were detected using species-specific real-time PCR.

Results …

Association Of Body Fatness With Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, And Myocardial Infarction In A Multinational Pooled Cohort, Vivek Kumar Prasad, Chibueze Ogbonnaya, Hannah Oh, Andrew Atkin, Madison Kindred, Min-Jeong Shin, Dahyun Park, Jin Eui Kim, Mike Loosemore, Vartika Saxena, Ryan Porter, Courtney Kipps, Jason Jaggers, Xuemei Sui M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., Carl J. Lavie, Mark Hamer

Faculty Publications

Objective

Methods

Results

Effects Of Leucine Supplementation On Athletic Performance, Central Fatigue, And Serum Metabolism In Endurance Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial And Targeted Metabolomics Study, Tieying Li, Wei Xu, Jun Chen, Zhaobo Kan, Xuemei Sui, Zhiguang Zhao, Qirong Wang

Faculty Publications

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of leucine supplementation on athletic performance, central fatigue, and serum metabolome in endurance athletes, and to provide valuable insights into nutritional strategies for endurance athletes. Methods: Twenty cross-country skiers were recruited and randomized into 2 groups: the placebo (PLA) group and the leucine (LEU) group. Subjects were given leucine (8.5 g) + sucrose (14 g) or only sucrose (14 g) supplements twice each day from Monday to Saturday for 6 weeks. Test parameters include body composition, aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, blood biochemistry, and targeted metabolomics. Results: After intervention, compared …

Dietary Inflammatory Index And Risk Of Colorectal Cancer In Japanese Men, Ayaka Kotemori, Kumiko Kito, Motoki Iwasaki, Taiki Yamaji, James Hébert Scd, Junko Ishihara, Manami Inoue, Shoichiro Tsugane, Norie Sawada On The Behalf Of Jphc Study Group

Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy lifestyles lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Few studies in East Asia have examined the association between the dietary inflammation potential and colorectal cancer incidence. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this association further in the Japanese population. Methods: This study included 38,807 men aged 45–74 years who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study (JPHC Study). The energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Differences in risk due to a …

Protocol For The Development Of The Who Gestational Weight Gain Charts, Thais Rangel Bousquet Carrilho, Olufemi Taiwo Oladapo, Jennifer A. Hutcheon, Giovanna Gatica-Domínquez, Kathleen M. Rasmussen, Monica C. Flores-Urrutia, Richard Kumapley, Ӧzge Tunçalp, Dang Bahya-Batinda, Amel A. Fayed, Annick Bogaerts, Aris T. Papageorghiou, Cinthya Muñoz-Manrique, Dayana Rodrigues Farias, Eric Ohuma, Harshpal Sachdev, Hayfaa A. Wahabi, Helena J. Teede, Molin Wang, Nandita Perumal Phd

Faculty Publications

Introduction Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator of maternal nutrition to be monitored during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence-based tool that can be used to monitor it across all geographic locations and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories. The WHO is undertaking a project to develop GWG charts by pre-pregnancy BMI category, and to identify GWG ranges associated with the lowest risks of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This protocol describes all the steps that will be used to accomplish the development of these GWG charts.

Methods and analysis This project will involve the analysis of individual …

The Nutritional Environment And Food Access Of Female Athletes At Hbcus: A Qualitative Analysis, Nancy A. Uriegas, Zachary K. Winkelmann Ph.D., Lat, Atc, Chse, Dawn M. Emerson, Toni Torres-Mcgehee Ph.D., Lat, Atc, Facsm

Faculty Publications

Purpose:

Female student-athletes attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) may encounter distinct challenges related to food access, particularly when their campuses are situated in areas with limited food availability. This study assessed food security (FS) and explored the lived experiences of HBCU female student-athletes regarding their food environments and access to nutrition.

Methods:

This qualitative study used a semi-structured interview protocol derived from quantitative data. Participants were 10 HBCU female athletes (age = 19 ± 1 years) living in on-campus dormitories; recruited after completing a quantitative study examining energy needs. The three-part semi-structured interview protocol included questions about personal …

Asian Reference Values For Handgrip Strength, Gait Speed, Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand Test, Muscle Mass And Calf Circumference, Jozo Grgic, Siew Ling Tey, Dieu Thi Thu Huynh, Yen Ling Low, Zeljko Pedisic, Nina Schaller, Vanessa Kristina Wazny, Weilan Wang, Yasuhiko Saito, Ravindra P Rannan-Eliya, Hala Ghattas Ph.D., Monique Chaaya, Carlos Mendes De Leon, Preeti Gupta, Ecosse L Lamoureux, Mythily Subramaniam, Edimansyah Abdin, Rahul Malhotra, Angelique Chan, Bayasgalan Tumenbayar, Oyunbileg Luvsandavaajav, Bolormaa Enkhtuvshin, Norma Mansor, Halimah Awang, Andrea B Maier

Faculty Publications

Background:Handgrip strength, gait speed, Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) performance, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference are important health outcomes, particularly useful for diagnosing sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to establish reference (normative) values for handgrip strength, gait speed, FTSST performance, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference by pooling individual participant data from national cohorts in Asia.

>Methods:We conducted a pooled analysis of individual participant data from 20 national cohorts representing 12 Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka). We included cohorts with data on at least …

Humanizing The Base Of The Pyramid: Exploring The Influence Of Resource (Dis)Advantages On Value Creation, Ted London, Lisa Jones Christensen, Tyson Mackey, Alison Mackey, Heather Esper, Andrew Grogan-Kaylor

Faculty Publications

Base of the pyramid (BoP) scholarship emphasizes the potential for enterprises to generate profits by enhancing the wellbeing of the impoverished, often by selling socially-beneficial products (SBPs). Yet, many such BoP enterprises have experienced mixed results. We argue that this may stem from insufficient attention to how BoP consumers value SBPs and other products. We frame SBPs as a type of human capital investment and thus use human capital theory to study how the consumption of SBPs does or does not create value for consumers. Specifically, we use a novel data set from rural India to measure value creation in …

Expert Report On The California 2026 Billionaire Tax: Revenue, Economic, And Constitutional Analysis, David Gamage, Brian D. Galle, Emmanuel Saez, Darien Shanske

Faculty Publications

This report summarizes key provisions of the California Billionaire Tax Act. It also answers some frequently asked questions.

Fda After Loper Bright, Erika Lietzan

Faculty Publications

Loper Bright, which overruled the Chevron decision from 1984, tells us that a court should determine the meaning of all statutory provisions for itself, rather than deferring to the views of the federal agencies that implement those provisions. But the overruling of Chevron may have less of an impact on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration than conventional wisdom supposes. Most challenges to FDA action do not concern its statutory interpretations. And the agency prevailed in most cases involving statutory interpretation, before the Chevron doctrine took hold. After 1984, when the doctrine did apply, the agency often lost cases at …

Moving Forward Together For Cancer Recovery: Collaborative Guide For Researchers And Cancer Care Organizations, M. Madison Kindred, Karen E. Wickersham, Daneille E. Ostendorf, Bernardine M. Pinto

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Maesa Ramentacea Leaf Extract Protects Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity In Wistar Rats By Modulating Renal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation And Apoptosis, Fahmida Akter, Md Shafiqul Islam Sovon, Baizid Hossain, Md Ariful Islam, Subrato Das, Anik Biswas, Md Sohorab Uddin, Md Mahmudul Hasan

Faculty Publications

Background: Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity continues to be a significant clinical concern, while effective and safe protective options remain limited. The nephroprotective potential of Maesa ramentacea has not yet been explored. To address this gap, the present study investigated the ethanolic leaf extract of M. ramentacea (MR-LEE) for its effects on gentamicin-induced kidney injury in Wistar rats. Methods: GC-MS profiling was employed to identify bioactive metabolites. Rats were categorised into five groups: control, gentamicin (100 mg/kg), gentamicin combined with silymarin (100 mg/kg), gentamicin combined with MR-LEE (200 mg/kg) and gentamicin combined with MR-LEE (400 mg/kg). Renal biomarkers, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory and …

Building Capacity, Driving Impact: A Landscape Analysis Of Community Engagement And Outreach Cores' Activities, Emily Frankel, Stephanie Broyles, Stephenie Kennedy-Rea, Casey Solsrud, Elizabeth K. Woods, Deborah Goebert, Zsolt Nagykaldi, Holly Huye, Lee M. Pachter

Faculty Publications

Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO) Cores are a key component of the IDeA Clinical and Translational Research (IDeA-CTR) Program, serving to develop and implement capacity-building initiatives that empower communities to engage and collaborate with investigators in community-engaged research. To strengthen collaboration and shared learning across sites, a CEO Special Interest Group was established. In 2022, the group conducted a landscape analysis to systematically characterize and categorize CEO Core activities across the IDeA-CTR network, with a focus on capacity-building efforts related to knowledge transfer, co-learning, and infrastructure development. The analysis revealed several common approaches to community engagement and capacity building across …

Abuse Of Contract: A Proposal For A New Cause Of Action, Miriam A. Cherry

Faculty Publications

With the growth of online commerce and the platform economy, many companies are including provisions in their online terms and conditions that extend far beyond what reasonable consumers would expect. Some terms and conditions purport to bind customers to separate contracts in future transactions that have little to do with the first contract. Other boilerplate purports to cover family members of the customer who created an account. Some retailers have argued that people shopping in their brick-and-mortar stores are subject to terms and conditions because those shoppers had at some point previously created an online account. For example, Disney argued …

Pullulan Production From Lignocellulosic Plant Biomass Or Starch-Containing Processing Coproduct Hydrolysates, Thomas P. West

Faculty Publications

The complex polysaccharide pullulan is characterized as a glucose-containing biopolymer that is both water-soluble and neutral in polarity. A variety of commercial applications exist for pullulan, including its utilization as a flocculant, a blood plasma substitute, a food additive, a dielectric material, an adhesive, or a packaging film. The fungus Aureobasidium pullulans has used several hydrolysates derived from plant biomass or starch-containing processing coproducts to support polysaccharide production. These include various plant biomass or processing coproduct streams such as lignocellulosic-containing peat, prairie grass, stalks, hulls, straw, shells, and pods or starch-containing coproducts from the processing of corn, rice, jackfruit seeds, …

Serum Protein Signatures For Breast Cancer Detection In Treatment-Naïve African American Women Using Integrated Proteomics And Pattern Analysis, Padma Tadi Uppala, Elmer Rivera, Hyun J. Kwon, Sharon S. Lum

Faculty Publications

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in African American (AA) women. In this study we evaluated the serum proteomic profile of AA women with breast cancer using an integrated proteomic framework with multivariate pattern analysis. Using 2D-DIGE, thousands of serum protein spots were detected across 33 gels; 46 spots met criteria for presence, statistical significance, and differential expression. Proteins from the spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and matched in curated databases, highlighting serum biomarkers including ceruloplasmin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, complement component C3 and C6, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and haptoglobin-related protein. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 163 differentiating peptides after imputing and …

My Negotiation Chatbot Toby And Pedagogical Governance, Renee Henson

Faculty Publications

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots is exploding. Adolescents increasingly prefer interactions with AI companions over peers. Adults rely on these systems for health planning, therapy, administrative assistance, nutrition guidance, and even simulated “romantic relationships.” Individuals and institutions are adopting AI tools at a pace that far exceeds the development of governance frameworks.

I developed Toby for use in my first-year Lawyering: Problem-Solving and Dispute Resolution (“Lawyering”) course to expose students to the dynamics of negotiating against an opposing counsel with a difficult personality—a type of adversary all too common in legal practice, yet difficult to prepare for. Toby …

Can You Hear Me Now?, Daniel Gonzalez, Amanda Moore

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Metal Exposures And Their Interactions With The Dietary Inflammatory Index On Inflammatory Biomarkers In Mexican Adolescents, Yanelli Rodríguez-Carmona, Ana Baylin, Peter X.K. Song, Edward Ruiz-Narvaez, Cindy W. Leung, James Hébert Scd, Nitin Shivappa Mbbs, Mph, Ph.D., Michael David Wirth Msph, Phd, Face, Aljandra Cantoral, John D. Meeker, Niladri Basu, Martha María Tellez-Rojo, Karen E. Peterson, Sung Kyun Park

Faculty Publications

Background:

Heavy metals, like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, are linked to increased inflammation even in early life; however, anti-inflammatory diets may offset these effects.

Methods:

We evaluated associations between heavy metals and inflammatory biomarkers, and potential effect modification by diet in 399 adolescents aged 10 to 18 at baseline who attended two study visits 2 years apart (773 observations). At baseline, blood lead, urinary arsenic, and cadmium concentrations were measured, and the Children’s Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DII) was calculated. Fasting serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured for both visits. Generalized …

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer For The Removal Of Nutrients From Water: Synthesis, Application, Performance And Limitation, Emmanuella Anang, Abolade Busari

Faculty Publications

Nutrient contamination is a major contributor to eutrophication and water quality degradation worldwide. Conventional treatment technologies often lack selectivity and efficiency in complex aquatic environments, highlighting the need for advanced materials with tailored recognition capabilities. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as promising adsorbents for nutrient remediation due to their high selectivity, stability and reusability. This review synthesizes recent progress on the synthesis strategies of MIPs. Applications of MIPs in removing phosphate, nitrate and ammonia from water are critically examined, with particular attention to adsorption performance under varying environmental conditions. The limitations of current systems, including modest adsorption capacities, incomplete …

Hide And Seek: Offshore Financial Centers And Targeted Sanctions, Menevis Cilizogula, Chelsea Estancona

Faculty Publications

The movement of capital across borders has never been easier, as evidenced by the recent proliferation of offshore financial services. But these services are a double-edged sword: while boosting economic efficiency, they can also facilitate illicit financial activity. In this paper, we discuss the symbiotic relationship between financial liberalization and the pursuit of financial anonymity by secrecy-seeking actors. We examine a hide-and-seek dynamic between governments increasing monitoring of international finance and actors seeking anonymity via offshore financial centers. Under what conditions can international financial monitoring have the unintended consequence of increasing the use of poorly regulated and opaque offshore financial …

Personalized Resistance Exercise With Peer Support For Women With Pcos Using A Smart Home Video Device: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Guided By Self-Determination Theory, Pamela J. Wright Phd, Ms, Med, Rn, Cen, Cynthia F. Corbett Phd, Rn, Faan, Kesheng Wang

Faculty Publications

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) report exercise barriers as stigma-related stress, lack of peer support, and facility issues. “Resistance exercise (RE) with peer support and bands/ball and digitally-based supervision” (REPS w/BANDS) was designed to help mitigate exercise barriers. Underscored by self-determination theory (SDT), the 12-week intervention was remotely delivered via digital technology and inclusive of peer support.

Purpose

The purposes of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) were to test the feasibility and acceptability of REPS w/BANDS and explore signals of within- and between-group differences on outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms and fitness).

Methods

Participants (N = 25) …

Interpretable Machine Learning For Cardiovascular Risk Prediction: Insights From Nhanes Dietary And Health Data, Md Ahiduzzaman, Md Nahid Hasan

Faculty Publications

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading global causes of death, which requires an accurate early prediction. This study aimed to develop transparent machine learning (ML) models using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2017–2023 to predict CVD risk based on dietary and health factors.

Methods: We analyzed data from 12,382 adults (aged 18 and older) from NHANES 2017–2023, including 41 dietary, anthropometric, clinical, and demographic variables. Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) was used to select an optimal subset of 30 predictors. To address substantial class imbalance in the outcome, we applied the Random Over-Sampling Examples …

Circulating Levels Of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (Igf-I) And Risk Ofmultiple Myeloma: An Observational And Mendelian Randomisation Study, Yolanda Benavente, Sara Hermosa, Nikos Papadimitriou, Alyssa I. Clay-Gilmour Ph.D., Elizabeth E. Brown, Jonathan N. Hofmann, Nathaniel Rothman, Qing Lan, Sonja I. Berndt, Demetrius Albanes, Mark Purdue, Mitchell J. Machiela, Stephen J. Chanock, Parveen Bhatti, Wendy Cozen, Aaron Norman, Susan L. Slager, James R. Cerhan, Vincent Rajkumar, Shaji J. Kumar, Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

Evidence for an association between insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and multiple myeloma (MM) is inconsistent. We examined total IGF-I concentrations and risk of MM by combining baseline serological data among UK Biobank participants (n = 444 187; 732 incident MM) with a two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis using identified genetic variants associated with circulating total IGF-I and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in the InterLymph consortium (2434 MM and their 2567 controls). Finally, additional lymphoid neoplasm (LN) subtypes were included for comparison with the main hypothesis. Circulating IGF-I level was positively associated with MM risk Hazard ratio-HR-per one standard deviation-SD-increase …

Variation In Cycling Exercise Mechanical Efficiency In The Heritage Family Study, Angelo Tremblay, Claude Bouchard, Mark A. Sarzynski Facsm, James S. Skinner, Élisa Marin-Couture, Patrick Schrauwen, Guy Thibault, Marie-Eve Mathieu, Louis Pérusse

Faculty Publications

The objectives of the study were to assess the effects of cycling endurance exercise training and sex on cycling exercise mechanical efficiency (ME) and to explore its associations with body composition, glycemic profile, and skeletal muscle characteristics. Subjects were males (n = 371) and females (n = 465) of European (ED) and African descent (AD) of the HERITAGE Family Study. The measurements were repeated after a 20-week controlled endurance exercise program. A substudy involving 78 participants from 19 ED families was used to evaluate associations between skeletal muscle traits and variations in ME. An increase in ME of …

Multimodal Reprogramming Of The Tumor Microenvironment By Mmr And Dual Checkpoint Blockade In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Models, Mulu Z. Tesfay, Aleksandra Cios, Khandoker Usran Ferdous, Randal S. Shelton, Bahaa Mustafa, Camila C. Simoes, Murat Gokden, Isabelle R. Miousse, Kimberly J. Krager, Marjan Boerma, Alicja Urbaniak, Anuradha Kunthur, Sri Obulareddy, Joshua M. Eichhorn, Steven R. Post, Jean Christopher Chamcheu, Omeed Moaven, Chiswili Y. Chabu, Dan G. Duda, Matteo Conti, Bruno Nardo, Rang Govindarajan, Martin E. Fernandez-Zapico, Lewis R. Roberts, Mitesh J. Borad, Martin J. Cannon, Alexei G. Basnakian, Bolni M. Nagalo

Faculty Publications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, thus, there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic options for this dismal condition. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with improved response to immune checkpoint blockade in HCC, but their low abundance in most cases limits their therapeutic efficacy. Here, we demonstrate, in mice, that low-dose intratumoral immunovirotherapy with the trivalent measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) induces superior tumor-growth delay and extended host survival compared to individually administered vaccines for measles, mumps, or rubella viruses. Further, our results show that MMR therapy synergizes with PD-1 and …

U-Shaped Relationship Between White Blood Cell Counts And Incident Hypertension In Military Young Adults: The Chief Study, 2014–2020, Kun-Zhe Tsai, Chia-Wei Hong, Yun-Chen Chang, Wei-Chun Huang, Xuemei Sui, Carl J. Lavie, Gen-Min Lin

Faculty Publications

Background

Systemic low-grade inflammation, which is characterized by increased counts of blood leukocytes (white blood cells, WBCs), can lead to hypertension, while reduced WBC counts caused by the use of some substances, e.g., alcohol, can also lead to hypertension. However, there have been no studies on the association between WBC counts and the risk of hypertension in young adults.

Methods

This cohort study conducted in Taiwan included a total of 2351 military personnel who were aged 18–39 years, were free of baseline hypertension and were followed up for incident hypertension from 2014 to the end of 2020. Resting blood pressure …