Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Non-Pharmacological Supportive Care Interventions During Immunotherapy For People With Cancer: A Systematic Scoping Review And Future Directions, Morgan J. Farley, Brighid R. Scanlon, Megan Crichton, Ashley M. Bigaran, Amy C.M. Barnes, Nicolas H. Hart, Patsy M. Yates, Melissa L. Eastgate, Kim Alexander

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment and outcomes. Patients receiving immunotherapy often encounter immune-related and treatment-related adverse events, leading to substantial supportive care needs. Currently, no recommendations exist to guide the use of non-pharmacological supportive care interventions for people with cancer undergoing immunotherapy treatments. This review aims to summarise the available evidence regarding non-pharmacological supportive care strategies to inform future clinical management and research directions.

Methods: Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Web of Science and Scopus) were systematically searched for studies on non-pharmacological supportive care interventions for adults undergoing immunotherapy, published from October 2014 to October 2024.

Results: …

Perils Of Precisely Equal Group Size In Randomised Controlled Trials, Richard Gray, Daniel Bressington, Bridgina Mackay, Martin Jones, David R. Thompson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Safety Of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis In Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: A Systematic Review, Leonardo J. Uribe-Cavero, Fabian A. Chavez-Ecos, Kiara Camacho-Caballero, José Carlos Grados-Pintos, Patricia Vera-Maccha, Anthony Siguas-Huasasquiche, Dinesh Sharma, Carlos J. Toro-Huamanchumo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is widely used to assess body composition. However, its safety in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) remains uncertain owing to potential electromagnetic interference (EMI). Objective This study aimed to evaluate potential complications associated with clinical-grade BIA use in patients with CIEDs, based on currently available evidence. Methods We conducted a systematic review of studies published up to December 26, 2024, identified through PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was the occurrence of adverse events, including EMI, device malfunction, or arrhythmias. Results Of 3668 records, 6 cohort studies (n = …

Sertraline To Reduce Recidivism In Impulsive Violent Offenders (Reinvest): A Randomised Double Blind Clinical Trial, Tony Butler, Emaediong I. Akpanekpo, Lee Knight, Kristy Robledo, David Greenberg, Andrew Ellis, Stephen Allnutt, Kay Wilhelm, Alison Jones, Rodney Scott, Bianca Ton, Luke Grant, Philip Mitchell, Ross Tynan, Jocelyn Jones, Dominic Villa, Duncan Chappell, Carolynn Dixon, Alison Churchill, Val Gebski, Tony Keech, Peter W. Schofield

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Biological studies suggest serotonin modulation via selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might reduce impulsive violence, however, robust evidence in offender populations is limited. We aimed to determine whether sertraline reduces violent reoffending compared with placebo in highly impulsive men with recurrent violent offending.

Methods: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial in community settings in New South Wales, Australia. Eligible participants were men aged 18 years or older with ≥2 prior violent convictions and a Barratt Impulsiveness Scale score ≥70. Following a 4-week single-blind active run-in phase with sertraline, participants were randomly assigned (1:1, minimization stratified by key …

The Effects Of Acute And Chronic Exercise On Lipocalin-2 In Middle-Aged And Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial, Carlie Bauer, Marc Sim, Cassandra Smith, Rhiannon Healy, Andrew Garnham, Navabeh Zare-Kookandeh, Elizabeth Byrnes, Mary N. Woessner, Joshua R. Lewis, Itamar Levinger

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective Chronically elevated circulating lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels are implicated in poor energy regulation, increased cardio-metabolic disease risk, and poor physical function. Exercise is known to improve these factors, but whether LCN2 is modifiable by exercise is not clear. We examined the effect of acute and chronic exercise on LCN2 levels and whether this relates to glucose regulation, body composition, and physical function. Design and methods Thirty-three middle-aged and older adults (45–84 years, median body mass index 26.21 kg/m²) completed an acute high-intensity interval exercise session (HIIE). Participants were randomized to 4 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or …

The Importance Of Aged Care Policies In Assisting Older Adults Transition From Home To Permanent Residential Aged Care: A Focused Ethnographic Study, Stacey M. Scott, Annette J. Raynor, Julie S. Dare, Jennifer M. Grieve, Leesa N. Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCAC) recommended a redesign of the Australian aged care system to ensure high quality care, respect, and dignity for residents. Responding to the RCAC recommendations, the Aged Care Quality Standards have been strengthened and continue to guide the delivery of safe, high quality care in Australia. This study investigated the experiences of new residents transitioning into an Australian residential care-facility, concentrating on how their experiences aligned with the core principles of the Aged Care Quality Standards. Methods: A focused ethnographic approach was used to address the aim of this study. …

Insecticide-Treated Net Use And Elimination Of Malaria In Sub-Saharan African Countries: Assessing The Global Technical Strategy Using An Evolutionary Game Approach, Laxmi, Tamer Oraby, Michael G. Tyshenko, Ina Danquah, Samit Bhattacharyya

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Malaria continues to be a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where the majority of the countries have not met the World Health Assembly's endorsed Global Technical Strategy (GTS) milestones in 2020 for malaria reduction. Insecticide-treated net (ITN) usage is a well-established and effective intervention, often outperforming other measures such as indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, multiple survey studies have reported improper use of ITNs across various SSA countries. This misuse likely poses an important barrier to the intervention's success, although it remains a largely untested hypothesis.

Methods: We developed a behaviour-incidence model and statistical analysis of …

Is Noise Exposure Associated With Impaired Extended High Frequency Hearing Despite A Normal Audiogram? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Sajana Aryal, Monica Trevino, Hansapani Rodrigo, Srikanta K. Mishra

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

Understanding the initial signature of noise-induced auditory damage remains a significant priority. Animal models suggest the cochlear base is particularly vulnerable to noise, raising the possibility that early-stage noise exposure could be linked to basal cochlear dysfunction, even when thresholds at 0.25-8 kHz are normal. To investigate this in humans, we conducted a meta-analysis following a systematic review, examining the association between noise exposure and hearing in frequencies from 9 to 20 kHz as a marker for basal cochlear dysfunction. Systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework. Studies on noise exposure and hearing in the 9 …

Studies On Curcumin-Glucoside In The Prevention Of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation, Lakshmi Sowmya Emani, Jayanth K. Rao, Jagadeesha Kumar Dasappa, Marisín Pecchio, Johant Lakey-Beitia, Hansapani Rodrigo, Jessica Cruz-Mora, Priya Narayan, Nikhilesh Anand, Bharathi Gadad

School of Medicine Publications

Background: α-synuclein (α-syn) deposition in the mid-brain region is one of the hallmark pathologies of Parkinson's disease (PD). The key steps involve the transformation of α-synuclein into a toxic oligomer and insoluble fibrillar aggregates.

Objective: To understand the role of curcumin-glucoside in the prevention of α-syn aggregation, a mechanistic approach.

Methods: In the present study, we synthesized a novel molecule, curcumin-glucoside (Curc-gluc), to improve the water solubility and partition coefficient, making the molecule with high bioavailability. The present study is focused on understanding the α-syn aggregation kinetics in the presence and absence of Curc-gluc, curcumin (Cur), copper (Cu), and iron …

Nanotechnology Strategies For Endometrium Health: Are We On The Right Track?, Victoria Herrera, Dana Tarab-Ravski, Subhash Chauhan, Nikesh Narang, Mohammad Mirazul Islam, Dan Peer, Rajendra Prasad, Murali Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

The endometrium is a vital mucosal tissue which undergoes cyclical regeneration, differentiation, and remodeling upon hormonal, cellular, and molecular signaling networks. Dysregulation of these processes can trigger a range of pathological conditions including chronic inflammatory disorders, hyperplastic lesions, malignancies, and infertility, necessitating the need for effective therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we are still dependent on conventional treatment modalities which are often constrained by inefficient drug biodistribution, systemic toxicity, and emergence of therapeutic resistance. Recently, nanomedicines have gained tremendous attention in human healthcare, because they not only diagnose the disease but also deliver therapeutic agents to the targeted site without affecting healthy …

Exploring Bone Oncology In A Medically Underserved Area: A Retrospective Cohort Of Bone Metastases And Malignant Bone Neoplasia In The Rio Grande Valley, Blake C. Martin, Juan Carlos Lopez Alvarenga, Michael Sander

School of Medicine Publications

Objectives: The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a developing clinical research region characterized by its distinctive demographic profile that offers an opportunity to investigate diverse health issues. This pilot investigation sought to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics linked to bone metastases and primary malignant bone neoplasms (PMBNs) in patients from the RGV and to compare the frequency of these conditions with the US general population.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review in which data were gathered from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley UTHealth electronic database from January 1, 2018 to September 4, 2024. Various statistical analyses …

State Of Stroke Rehabilitation In Australia: A Who Stars Assessment To Identify Strengths And Gaps Across Policy, Practice And Funding, Lauren J. Christie, Erin Godecke, Maddison Smith, Katharine Scrivener, Kelvin Hill, Joosup Kim, Maria Crotty, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Angela Dos Santos, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: Rehabilitation following stroke is a complex series of assistive and catalytic interventions enabling a survivor to recover and adapt to their stroke. To achieve adaptation, rehabilitation should supplement healthcare across the continuum, however comprehensive evidence on the provision of stroke rehabilitation in Australia is lacking. The aim of this paper was to describe stroke rehabilitation provision, collecting data using the World Health Organisation (WHO) template for rehabilitation information collection (TRIC). Data were analysed descriptively to complete the Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) assessment. Recent Findings: Challenges include inadequacies in reporting and poor data integration between state- …

The Influence Of The Marker Set On Inverse Kinematics Results To Inform Markerless Motion Capture Annotations, Marion Mundt, David Pagnon, Steffi Colyer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Markerless motion capture has the potential to enable biomechanical analyses without specialised, high-cost equipment. However, the comparability of many markerless motion capture frameworks with the most used marker-based method is limited. One reason for this is the lack of high-quality, biomechanically-informed datasets that are needed to train markerless models. This study aimed to inform the development of such a dataset by systematically analysing the agreement between a gold-standard marker set and a reduced number of markers to solve inverse kinematics (IK). We analysed the impact of different marker positions on the IK solution using an OpenSim lower body model with …

Postinactivity Exercise Training Improves Sarcopenia Traits In 40–60-Year-Old Women Regardless Of Fortified Milk Supplementation, Joanne Trezise, Ricardo M. Lima, Sally D. Poppitt, Aaron C. Fanning, Amanda Devine, Anthony J. Blazevich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The term sarcopenia was introduced to describe the age-related decline in muscle mass, but current definitions also include measures of muscle strength and function. Menopause increases sarcopenia risk and may exacerbate the adverse effects of physical inactivity. Exercise training is a potent stimulus to restore muscle health, and nutritional supplementation can further improve the outcomes. The purposes of this study were to examine the changes in a set of sarcopenia-related phenotypes induced by a 14-day step-reduction period followed by a 12-week exercise training programme, with or without fortified milk supplementation in healthy 40–60-year-old females, and to determine whether menopausal …

Hypophosphatemia Across The Lifespan, Madhuni Herath, Richard Prince, Craig F. Munns, Albert Kim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Incidence Of Health Problems In Australian Mixed Martial Arts And Muay Thai Competitors: A 14-Month Study Of 26 Combat Sports Events, Colin S. Doherty, Oliver R. Barley, Lauren V. Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Mixed martial arts (MMA) and Muay Thai (MT) are widely practiced combat sports, yet research on the full spectrum of competition-related health problems (HPs) remains limited, particularly for MT. Existing studies in both sports primarily focus on retrospective analyses of severe injuries, often estimating time lost from training or competition. This study describes the incidence of all competition HPs reported seven days after MMA and MT contests, and determines the number of days impacted by tracking athletes’ self-identified worst HPs until resolution. Methods: Data on competition HPs were collected using an online questionnaire completed seven days after each MMA …

As Effective As You Perceive It: The Relationship Between Chatgpt’S Perceived Effectiveness And Mental Health Stigma, Scott N. Hannah, Deirdre Drake, Christopher D. Huntley, Joanne M. Dickson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Individuals are increasingly using artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, to seek conversational support for their personal mental health difficulties. Heightened concerns about mental health stigma may make anonymous, on-demand chatbot interactions more appealing for some than traditional face-to-face support. This study examined if using ChatGPT-4 for personal mental health difficulties is associated with two distinct forms of stigma, anticipated stigma and self-stigma. Our main aim was to investigate if the perceived effectiveness of ChatGPT use for mental health issues mediates the relationship between ChatGPT usage and anticipated stigma and self-stigma. The sample comprised 73 participants, mostly undergraduate psychology students. …

A Cross-Sectional Audit Of The Australian Community Food Environment Highlights The Prominent Role Of Chain Food Outlets, Claire Elizabeth Pulker, Lucy Meredith Butcher, Frith Klug, Clare Whitton, Gina S.A. Trapp

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Food retail and food service outlets can be part of a chain, or independently operated. Chain food outlets are likely to have the most influence over community food environments but have not been routinely identified in studies which map and monitor access to food, highlighting an important knowledge gap. This study aimed to identify the food retail and food service outlets present within metropolitan Perth, including presence of chain and independent food outlets; and examine differences across local governments. Methods: A nutrition-focused classification framework was applied to all food businesses registered by 32 local governments in Perth, Western Australia, …

Culturally Responsive Recommendations For Eating Disorder Prevention And Management For First Nations Peoples In Australia: A Policy Scoping Review, Zyana Gall, Hilary Smith, Gabrielle Grant, Kanita Kunaratnam, Carissa Lee, Felicity Kerslake, Alana Gall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Evidence suggests First Nations people in Australia may experience a higher burden of eating disorders (EDs) than the broader Australian population. EDs are among the most debilitating and lethal mental health conditions; however, little is known about the unique considerations for First Nations people experiencing EDs, especially around best practices. This policy scoping review aims to map the current recommendations for managing EDs specific to First Nations peoples and to identify further research opportunities. Methods: We conducted targeted searches of electronic databases and health websites (n = 53) for policies, reports, toolkits/guidelines, and fact sheets that contained any information …

Determining Timeframes To Death For Imminently Dying Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Tricia O’Connor, Wai Man Liu, Juliane Samara, Joanne Lewis, Karen Strickland, Catherine Paterson

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Clinicians are frequently asked ‘how long’ questions at end-of-life by patients and those important to them, yet predicting timeframes to death remains uncertain, even in the last weeks and days of life. Patients and families wish to know so they can ask questions, plan, make decisions, have time to visit and say their goodbyes, and have holistic care needs met. Consequently, this necessitates a more accurate assessment of empirical data to better inform prognostication and reduce uncertainty around time until death. The aims of this study were to determine the timeframes for palliative care patients (a) between becoming comatose …

Exploring And Validating Associations Between Six Systemic Inflammatory Indices And Ischemic Stroke In A Middle-Aged And Old Chinese Population, Yulu Zheng, Zheng Guo, Jingzheng Wang, Zhiyuan Wu, Xiaolin Chen, Yahong Zhu, Guangle Shan, Haifeng Hou, Xingang Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Inflammation and maladaptive immune mechanisms have been substantiated as integral components in the critical pathological processes of the injury cascade in ischemic stroke (IS). This study aimed to explore the associations between six systemic inflammatory indices and IS in a Chinese population. Methods: This was a case-control study based on the retrospective review of electronic medical records from two hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Systemic inflammatory indices, including the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR), were calculated. Logistic regression …

Feasibility Of Home-Based Urine Collection In Children Under 5 Years In The Origins Birth Cohort Study: Mixed Method Protocol And Sample Completion Results, Courtney D.A. Kidd, Najma A. Moumin, Andrea Macrae, Tim J. Green, Desiree T. Silva, Susan L. Prescott, Nina D’Vaz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Urine is an attractive biospecimen for nutritional status and population health surveys. It is an excellent non-invasive alternative to blood for appropriate biomarkers in young children and is suitable for home-based collection, enabling representative collections across a population. However, the bulk of literature in this population is restricted to collection in primary care settings. Feasibility of home-based collection at scale has not been tested. Here, we describe a mixed method approach to collect urine samples in a large cohort study with children under 5 years. Methods: The ORIGINS Project is an ongoing birth cohort investigating early life influences on …

Perfectionism And Compulsive Exercise: A Systematic Review And Preliminary Meta-Analysis, Elizabeth Bills, Shannon R. Muir, Rose Stackpole, Sarah J. Egan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: There is a consistent link between perfectionism and compulsive exercise, and both are implicated in the maintenance of eating disorders, however no meta-analysis to date has quantified this relationship. We hypothesised that there would be significant, small-moderate pooled correlations between perfectionism dimensions and compulsive exercise. Methods: Published, peer-reviewed articles with standardised measures of perfectionism and the Compulsive Exercise Test were included. There were 7 studies included (N = 3117 participants, M age = 21.78 years, 49% female). Results: Total perfectionism (r = 0.37), perfectionistic strivings (r = 0.33), and perfectionistic concerns (r = 0.32) had significant pooled positive associations …

Profiling Of Igg N-Glycosylation For Axial Spondyloarthritis And Other Rheumatic Diseases, Xiaojia Xu, Zhixian Chen, Manshu Song, Zhiduo Hou, Lois Balmer, Chunbin Zhou, Yayi Huang, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang, Ling Lin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease with challenges in diagnosis and disease activity assessment. While alterations in immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation have been observed in varied rheumatic diseases, those in axSpA remains unclear. This study aims to explore the role of IgG N-glycan profiles in diagnosis and disease activity of axSpA. Methods: A clinical case-control study was conducted involving patients with axSpA (n = 138), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 102), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 106), osteoarthritis (n = 33), gout (n = 41) and healthy controls (n = 117). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography was employed to analyze …

Validated And Culturally Specific Screening Tools And Early Response Programs For The Detection And Prevention Of Eating Disorders Among First Nations Peoples In Australia: A Scoping Review, Mark John Castro, Zyana Gall, Alana Gall, Hilary Smith, Kanita Kunaratnam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are complex mental health conditions that can have severe health consequences, exacerbating the overall disease burden and causing significant economic impacts on healthcare systems. Globally, cultural and societal factors influence the presentation and management of these disorders, necessitating culturally specific approaches to screening and prevention. Among First Nations peoples in Australia, the intersection of historical, cultural, and social factors offers both context and strength in addressing EDs, while also presenting distinct challenges in identification and prevention. Objective: This scoping review seeks to map and evaluate existing research on culturally specific and validated screening tools and early …

Exploring Convergence And Divergence In Seemingly Contrasting Perspectives On Training Perceptual-Cognitive Abilities For Sports Performance Through Moderated Dialogue, Jordan Cassidy, Daniel Kadlec, Job Fransen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Current Opinion article considers the diverging perspectives of two academics on the trainability and role of perceptual-cognitive abilities in sports performance, specifically applied to agility and sidestepping. This work uses a moderated dialogue approach between these two authors, each representing differing viewpoints: one advocating for the role of perceptual-motor skills through representative learning environments and another emphasising physical resilience. The article explores how fostering scientific discourse through moderated questions posed by a third party can be used to identify convergences and divergences in these perspectives. Both perspectives agree on the complexity of agility, the value of coupling perceptual skills with …

Promises And Perils Of Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Narrative Review Informing Its Ethical And Practical Applications In Clinical Exercise Physiology, Oscar Lederman, Alessandro Llana, James Murray, Robert Stanton, Ritesh Chugh, Darren Haywood, Amanda Burdett, Geoff Warman, Joanne Walker, Nicolas H. Hart

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is transforming various sectors, including healthcare, offering both promising opportunities and notable risks. The infancy and rapid development of GenAI raises questions regarding its effective, safe, and ethical use by health professionals, including clinical exercise physiologists. This narrative review aims to explore existing interdisciplinary literature and summarise the ethical and practical considerations of integrating GenAI into clinical exercise physiology practice. Specifically, it examines the ‘promises’ of improved exercise programming and healthcare delivery, as well as the ‘perils’ related to data privacy, person-centred care, and equitable access. Recommendations for the responsible integration of GenAI in clinical exercise …

Presenting The Inner Triangle Outer Diamond (Itod) Framework Of Educational Ecosystems And Its Applications To The Integration Of Educational Technologies And Innovations., Joshua Owolabi

PCOM Scholarly Works

Educators are leveraging technologies and innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support learners and deliver quality medical education. Many of these initiatives have reportedly yielded positive impacts. There have also been publications and reports highlighting the success of educational technologies (EdTech) and innovations, as well as their potential to not only enhance the outcomes of educational programs but also define the future of medical education and practice. Proponents of EdTech and innovations argue that the significant introduction of EdTech and innovations into programs can enhance learners' experiences, improve programme outcomes, and prepare learners for a future of work and practice …

Identification And Characterization Of Host-Modulating Effectors Encoded By The Cluster F1 Mycobacteriophage Normanbulbiejr, Bethany M. Wise, Kaylia Edwards, Cole R. Jirsa, Sabrina Abbruzzese, Amina Adebiyi, Sarika Bapat, Tyler Barnhardt, Naomi Bastiampillai, Ella Begovic, Mary G. Berchick, Gilda Bocco, John Bonoris, Elizabeth Boos, Margaret Cassady, Julia Chehab, Gene Cooper, Hunter Coyle, Joseph Davis, Natalia De La Cruz Vargas, Matthew Delach, Carly Dowiak, David Ferraro, Madison Fuller, Bootsie Glasser, Kyle Gordon, Hannah Hoch, Sarah Holleman, Luke Hood, Brett Hurrell, Nicholas Jacobs, Danny Jiang, Steven Kefalos, Salma Maher, Jocelyn Martin, Rohebot Mengesha, Daniel Merenich, Ashwin Nayak, Dasha Nesterova, Joshua Nguyen, Chukwudumebi Okonkwo, Taylor Pompan, Lauren Redwood, Christina Scanlon, Lily Schneider, Aparna Shenai, Colton Siatkowski, Lisa Strausner, Joseph Vizzarri, Jordan Watson, Angela Wilson, Catherine Wynne, Anthony Zygmunt, Michelle Kanther, Kimberly M. Payne, Richard S. Pollenz, C N. Sunnen, Danielle M. Heller

PCOM Scholarly Works

NormanBulbieJr (NBJ) is a temperate siphovirus isolated on the host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc²155 that encodes 102 gene products, 60 of which have no known function (NKF). Based on gene content, NBJ is classified as a Cluster F, Subcluster F1 phage and shares 70% of its encoded gene phamilies with Girr, another F1 mycobacteriophage that was recently analyzed in a genome-wide overexpression screen and found to encode 29 diverse gene products capable of inhibiting growth of M. smegmatis. Similar functional screens in other mycobacteriophages have uncovered a growing repertoire of diverse, phage-encoded bacterial growth inhibitors, providing prime candidates …

Bridging The Gut And The Heart-Exploring Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, And Therapeutic Implications Of Cardiovascular Disease In Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diana Othon-Martinez, Sylvia Valeria Peña-Muñoz, Margarita Riojas-Barrett, Genesis Vidales-López, Josué Moisés Sánchez Guzmán, Lukasz Kwapisz

School of Medicine Publications

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic systemic immune dysregulated disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract that often has extraintestinal manifestations. Limited data exist on the cardiovascular (CV) implications of IBD, but a higher prevalence of CV disease (CVD) has been observed compared to the general population, resulting in increased mortality risk. This review examines the pathophysiology and risk factors linking IBD to CVD, highlighting several key mechanisms: The “lipid paradox” in active IBD, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, proinflammatory cytokine activity, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and drug-induced myocardiopathy. The main findings include information about IBD …