April 2025-March 2026 Member Publications

Tasdighi E, Yao Z, Dardari ZA, Jha KK, Osuji N, Rajan T, Boakye E, Matsushita K, Simonsick EM, Lima JAC, Lloyd-Jones DM, Cohen DL, Appel LJ, Khera A, Hall ME, Rodriguez CJ, Judd S, Cole SA, Ramachandran VS, Benjamin EJ, Lotufo PA, Bittencourt MS, El Khoudary SR, Thurston RC, Derby CA, Psaty BM, Eaton CB, LaMonte MJ, Cawthon PM, Orwoll ES, Bhatnagar A, DeFilippis AP, Blaha MJ. Association between cigarette smoking status, intensity, and cessation duration with long-term incidence of nine cardiovascular and mortality outcomes: The Cross-Cohort Collaboration (CCC). PLoS Med. 2025 Nov 18;22(11):e1004561. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004561. PMID: 41252354; PMCID: PMC12626310.
Impact Statement: By analyzing data from over 320,000 adults, this study clarifies that cardiovascular risk rises sharply even at minimal smoking levels and that reducing cigarette consumption is not an adequate harm-reduction strategy. These results highlight smoking cessation as the most effective intervention, offering rapid and sustained health benefits over time.

Cai L. Advancing Dose-Response Research: Integrating Exposome, Multi-Omics, and Low-Dose Phenomena in Toxicology and Medicine. Dose Response. 2025 Nov 5;23(4):15593258251395790. doi: 10.1177/15593258251395790. PMID: 41209350; PMCID: PMC12589781.
Impact Statement: This article spotlights the rapid evolution of dose-response research and affirms the journal’s role in promoting rigorous, innovative science at the intersection of toxicology and modern omics technologies. It sets a forward-looking agenda that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports the translation of low-dose research into informed policy and practice.

Diven SS, Tarvestad-Laise K, Hein DW, Wise JTF. Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase 1 Knockout in Immortalized Human Bronchial Cells Results in a Reduction of Cellular Growth. Gene Rep. 2025 Dec;41:102332. doi: 10.1016/j.genrep.2025.102332. Epub 2025 Sep 7. PMID: 41306765; PMCID: PMC12646574.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that loss of NAT1 reduces cell growth in non-tumorigenic human lung epithelial and fibroblast cells, supporting a non-canonical role for NAT1 beyond xenobiotic metabolism. These findings strengthen evidence that NAT1 influences cellular growth pathways without inducing genomic instability, offering new insight into its potential relevance in lung biology and disease.

Carrier C, Polivka B, Huntington-Moskos L, Elderaiwi K, Cramer E, Nyenhuis S. The Associations Between Neighborhood Factors on Asthma Medication Adherence in Adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2025 Oct 30:S2213-2198(25)01017-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2025.10.030. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41175968.
Impact Statement: This study looked at adults with asthma and the association between perceived unsafe or poorly maintained neighborhoods and their medication adherence. The findings suggest that the accumulation of neighborhood stressors is associated with decreased adherence. As such, clinicians should consider assessing social determinants of health to support medication adherence among adults with asthma.

Saxena D, Walter K, Amona E, Kong M, Perlman S, Zheng J. Prior murine neurotropic coronavirus infection ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalitis. J Autoimmun. 2025 Nov 24;158:103504. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2025.103504. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41289822.
Impact Statement: This study identifies a novel, infection-induced Foxp3⁺ CD8 regulatory T-cell population that forms in the CNS after neurotropic coronavirus infection and protects against subsequent autoimmune neuroinflammation. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized post-infectious anti-inflammatory pathway that may inform new therapeutic strategies for neuroimmune and neurodegenerative diseases.

Vu GT, Mayya V, Mandhidi B, King C, Little BB, Gurupur V, Singhal A. Application of machine learning to predict periodontal disease in US adults: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2009-2014. Health Informatics J. 2025 Oct-Dec;31(4):14604582251394617. doi: 10.1177/14604582251394617. Epub 2025 Nov 14. PMID: 41235621.
Impact Statement: By evaluating multiple machine learning approaches, this research shows that advanced classifiers can effectively predict periodontal disease and pinpoint key risk indicators such as age and routine dental visits. The results underscore the promise of ML-based screening tools to enhance risk assessment and guide targeted interventions in dental health.

Singhal R, Qaissi Z, Zheng H, Hua Y, Hardesty JE, Rouchka EC, Merchant ML, Kong M, Wahlang B. Sex-dependent modulation of PCB-mediated toxicity from a proteomic and microbiome perspective. Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 14;15(1):39903. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-23603-w. PMID: 41238692; PMCID: PMC12618472.
Impact Statement: This study uses complementary liver proteomics and gut microbiome sequencing to reveal sex-specific pathways of PCB toxicity across multiple organs. By demonstrating the power of multi-omics platforms to uncover interconnected toxic responses, it strengthens the scientific foundation for more accurate risk assessment of persistent environmental pollutants. Funded in part by the CIEHS Small CUSP Award, this publication highlights meaningful collaboration among CIEHS investigators and colleagues across the University of Louisville, including the Center for Cardiometabolic Science, University of Louisville.

Xu Z, Lei C, Sriwastva MK, Wang T, Tuohongerbieke A, Song X, Noud C, Derkson S, Tan Y, Dryden G, McClain CJ, Deng Z. Intestinal Neutral Ceramidase Deficiency Triggers Regulatory T Cell Response via Gd3 to Protect the Host from Intestinal Inflammation. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Nov 7:e12681. doi: 10.1002/advs.202512681. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41201002.
Impact Statement: This study reveals that loss of intestinal epithelial neutral ceramidase protects against colitis by driving GD3 ganglioside production, which engages Siglec-E on macrophages to promote IL-33–dependent regulatory T-cell expansion. These findings uncover a novel sphingolipid-immune signaling axis that could be leveraged to develop new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.

Franz A, Shay H, Kirpich I, McClain CJ. Nutrition and Liver Disease. Semin Liver Dis. 2025 Nov 28. doi: 10.1055/a-2725-5313. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41314408.
Impact Statement: This review highlights the critical interplay between liver function and nutritional health, illustrating how malnutrition both contributes to and results from hepatic dysfunction. By outlining the clinical consequences and available treatment strategies, it underscores the importance of early nutritional assessment and intervention to improve outcomes in patients with liver disease.

Gopang M, Babalola T, Fruh V, Sears CG, Harrington J, Tellez-Plaza M, Webster TF, Tjonneland A, Mann KK, Wellenius GA, Claus Henn B, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Meliker JR. Urine arsenic and risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure - A prospective case-cohort study in Danish never smokers. Sci Total Environ. 2025 Dec 10;1007:180783. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180783. Epub 2025 Nov 17. PMID: 41252959.
Impact Statement: This study found little evidence that low-level urinary arsenic is associated with incident stroke, acute myocardial infarction, or heart failure among never smokers in a large Danish cohort. These findings suggest that low-level arsenic may play a limited role in cardiovascular risk in this population, while highlighting the need for additional research on potential effects related to arsenic metabolism, particularly %MMA.

Engelbrecht E, Rodriguez OL, Lees W, Vanwinkle Z, Shields K, Schultze S, Gibson WS, Smith DR, Jana U, Saha S, Peres A, Yaari G, Smith ML, Watson CT. Germline polymorphisms in the immunoglobulin kappa and lambda loci underpinning antibody light chain repertoire variability. Nat Commun. 2025 Nov 28. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66759-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41315391.
Impact Statement: This study reveals that extensive genetic polymorphisms in immunoglobulin light chain loci shape the antibody repertoire, driving major inter-individual differences in antibody composition and function. These findings establish IG light chain variation as a key determinant of immune responsiveness, with broad implications for understanding variability in disease outcomes and therapeutic responses.

Wahlang B, Hua Y, Phillips GJ, Singh S, Bolatimi OE, Luulay B, Gripshover TC, Watson WH, Merchant ML, Kong M, Kim J, Klinge CM. Exposure to a persistent organic pollutant mixture resulted in sex-specific steatotic liver disease: Role of the liver-endocrine axis. Environ Pollut. 2026 Jan 1;388:127364. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127364. Epub 2025 Nov 12. PMID: 41237942; PMCID: PMC12640673.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that persistent organic pollutants uniquely increase susceptibility to steatotic liver disease in females by disrupting estrogen-related signaling and activating xenobiotic response pathways. These findings highlight the critical need to consider biological sex when evaluating environmental chemical risks and mechanisms of liver disease.

Haller MJ, Kanapka L, Monzavi R, Mouse TJ, Prakasam G, Dewan AK, DiMeglio LA, Laffel LM, Willi SM, Tansey MJ, Nelson BA, Kashmiri H, Wood JR, Latif K, White P, Kipnes M, Rodriguez H, Smith J, Sparling DP, Malik FS, Cymbaluk A, Bhargava A, Ekhlaspour L, Beasley S, Cossen K, Wintergerst KA, Fiallo-Scharer R, Maahs DM, Bethin KE, Wood MA, Hanley PC, Mulukutla SN, Van Name M, Blackman SM, Gallagher MP, Clements MA, Sheanon N, Reddy K, Reiner BJ, Gal R, Beck RW; INHALE-1 Study Group. INHALE-1: A Multicenter Randomized Trial of Inhaled Technosphere Insulin in Children With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2025 Nov 12:dc251994. doi: 10.2337/dc25-1994. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41223151.
Impact Statement: This study provides the first large-scale evidence that inhaled technosphere insulin is safe for pediatric diabetes management and offers advantages such as higher treatment satisfaction and less weight gain compared with rapid-acting injectable insulin. Although noninferiority for HbA1c was not achieved, the findings support TI as a viable alternative for select youth with type 1 diabetes.

Williams H, Andersen ZJ, Boogaard H, Brage S, Browning MHEM, Cai S, Chen X, deSouza P, Dzhambov AM, Fenech B, Flower G, Forastiere F, Garcia L, Gasparrini A, Gehring U, Gowers AM, Hoek G, Khomenko S, Lim CC, Lu C, Mitsakou C, Pozzer A, Ramani T, Roscoe C, Spadaro JV, Tatah L, Vienneau D, Woodcock J, Yeager R, Zapata-Diomedi B, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Khreis H. Expert perspectives on exposure-response functions for urban health policy: Lessons from a UBDPolicy workshop. Environ Res. 2026 Jan 1;288(Pt 1):123150. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123150. Epub 2025 Oct 21. PMID: 41130511.
Impact Statement: This paper provides expert guidance on improving the development and application of epidemiologically derived exposure–response functions, a critical tool for assessing how urban and transport planning influence population health. By identifying pathway-specific and cross-cutting research needs, it outlines a forward-looking agenda to help policymakers design healthier, more sustainable cities.

Zierold KM, Myers JV, Brock GN, Zhang CH, Sears L. Externalizing behaviors in children living near coal-fired power plants. BMC Public Health. 2025 Nov 7;25(1):3858. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-24829-z. PMID: 41204137; PMCID: PMC12595744.
Impact Statement: This study provides new evidence that household exposure to coal fly ash is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of externalizing behavioral problems in children living near coal-fired power plants. These findings highlight an important environmental health risk and underscore the need for more rigorous studies to guide protective policies for vulnerable communities.

Shohat, Roy; Papadakis, Zacharias FACSM; Compton, Dwayne; Durrett, Shorye; Stamatis, Andreas FACSM2. Expanding Mental Toughness In Underrepresented In Medicine, Rural, Nontraditional Students: A High-impact Intervention Within A Prematriculation Program: 330. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 57(10S):p 98, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0001155336.81823.01
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that a structured mental toughness intervention significantly enhances medical students’ ability to manage stress and adversity, particularly supporting underrepresented, rural, and nontraditional students. These findings highlight the potential for scalable programs within prematriculation curricula to equip future physicians with essential psychological skills for academic and professional success.

Nzama N, Smith A, Chandler C, Rozema I, Aya Ezurah-Bullock NA, Harris LM, Osezua V, Metzger IW, Bond K, Rice BM, Hampton M, Krigger K, Kerr J. Community-Informed New Media-Based Knowledge Translation Addressing HIV Stigma Among the General Population and Health Care Providers in Louisville, Kentucky: A Clinical Brief. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2025 Oct 7:10.1097/JNC.0000000000000592. doi: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000592. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41053936; PMCID: PMC12604436.
Impact Statement: This study outlines a community-engaged approach to developing and implementing new media interventions, including continuing education and a podcast, to reduce HIV stigma. By applying the Knowledge-to-Action Framework and leveraging community expertise, the project demonstrates how digital tools can effectively translate research into meaningful public health impact.

Jebet A, Ma X, He L, Anthony AJ, Kim S, Mueller E, McClain CJ, Zhang X. Optimization of Data-Dependent Acquisition Parameters in Mass Spectrometry for Oligonucleotide Identification. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2025 Nov 5;36(11):2509-2519. doi: 10.1021/jasms.5c00250. Epub 2025 Oct 27. PMID: 41145977.
Impact Statement: This study optimized key mass spectrometry parameters to significantly improve oligonucleotide identification and rRNA sequence coverage in epitranscriptomic analyses. The resulting workflow provides a robust and reproducible method for characterizing RNA modifications, advancing the precision and depth of RNA biology research.

Pan X, Tang M, Xu Z, Yu H, Huang J, Liang P. Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMC Anesthesiol. 2025 Oct 14;25(1):503. doi: 10.1186/s12871-025-03365-8. PMID: 41087930; PMCID: PMC12522650.
Impact Statement: This meta-analysis of over 18,000 patients confirms that intravenous tranexamic acid effectively reduces blood loss and the need for transfusion in cardiac surgery without increasing major thrombotic complications. However, high-dose single administration is associated with a greater risk of postoperative seizures, emphasizing the importance of optimizing dosing strategies to maximize safety and efficacy.

Qin X, Chen X, Zhao X, Yao L, Niu H, Li K, Zhao Y, Liang Z, Lan Z, Wang Y, Guo X, Huang J , Li X. Electroencephalogram prediction of propofol effects on neuromodulation in disorders of consciousness. Front Neurol. 2025 Sep 29;16:1637647. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1637647. PMID: 41090031; PMCID: PMC12517178.
Impact Statement: This study identifies distinct EEG response patterns to low-dose propofol anesthesia in patients with disorders of consciousness, revealing that TBI and CVA patients—but not those with anoxic injury—show neural changes predictive of recovery following spinal cord stimulation. These findings highlight the potential of EEG-based biomarkers to guide etiology-specific neuromodulation strategies and improve prognostic accuracy in disorders of consciousness.

Ma H, Huang J. Gliding the blade through a breathing space: a non-intubated approach to tracheal and carinal surgery. J Thorac Dis. 2025 Sep 30;17(9):6371-6373. doi: 10.21037/jtd-2025-557. Epub 2025 Sep 26. PMID: 41158402; PMCID: PMC12557626.
Impact Statement: This study highlights the successful application of non-intubated spontaneous ventilation (NISV) for tracheal and carinal resection, demonstrating shorter operative times and comparable safety outcomes relative to traditional intubation techniques. These findings suggest that, in carefully selected patients and experienced centers, NISV may offer a less invasive and more efficient alternative for complex airway surgeries.

Samara E, Momeni M, Karakosta A, Smyrli A, Kolonia K, Tzimas P, Huang J, Neskovic V, Gil MG, Paternoster G, Eldawlatly A, Kirov M, Grigoryev E, Ao H, Cheng D, Aboulfetouh F, Lineburger EB, Wittenstein J, Senturk M, Sungur Z, Ahmad A, Liu X, Ferreira CBND, Guarracino F, Kenichi U, Szegedi LL, Beshara MTF, Vives M, Menon PR, El Tahan MR. Perceptions, Definitions, and Preparedness Regarding Low-Performing and Impaired Colleagues in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia: An International Survey. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2025 Sep 1:S1053-0770(25)00734-7. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2025.08.055. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41062402.
Impact Statement: This international survey established a consensus definition of low-performing colleagues in cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia and revealed major gaps in institutional preparedness to identify and address underperformance. The findings underscore the need for stronger reporting mechanisms, leadership engagement, and structured support systems to promote accountability and patient safety within the specialty.

Kalantri S, Sainatham C, Tallapalli JR, Pachika P, Kelley B, Dande RR, Gaddipati G, Liu Z, Kong M, Dong B, Riley E. Overlooked and Underreported: A Systematic Review of Quality of Life in Recent Phase III Metastatic Breast Cancer Trials. J Cancer Policy. 2025 Oct 21:100653. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2025.100653. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41130338.
Impact Statement: This systematic review found that fewer than 40% of recent Phase III metastatic breast cancer trials reported quality-of-life outcomes, despite growing regulatory emphasis on patient-centered care. These findings highlight the need for consistent inclusion of QoL measures to ensure that treatment evaluations reflect both survival benefits and the lived experiences of patients.

Blaney H, Zhang W, Bandhari P, Elfeki M, Xie C, Dunn W, Wong R, Younossi Z, Kuo YF, Kong M, Singal A. Impact of diabetes and obesity on patient outcomes in alcohol-associated liver disease: Analysis of 3 databases. Dig Liver Dis. 2025 Oct 10:S1590-8658(25)01123-5. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2025.09.020. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41076377.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that diabetes and obesity have distinct effects on outcomes in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease, influencing fibrosis progression, hospital outcomes, and post-transplant survival. These findings underscore the importance of individualized risk assessment and management strategies that account for metabolic comorbidities in ALD.

Kalantri S, Pachika P, Jones T, Kong M, Kloecker G, Chesney J. Survival Outcomes in Stage III to IV Melanoma Before and After the Immunotherapy Era: Persistent Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities. JCO Oncol Pract. 2025 Oct 13:OP2500433. doi: 10.1200/OP-25-00433. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41082700.
Impact Statement: This nationwide analysis shows that while immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly improved survival for patients with advanced melanoma, substantial disparities persist across sociodemographic groups. These findings highlight the urgent need to expand equitable access to immunotherapy and specialized care to ensure all patients benefit from modern melanoma treatments.

Yu JJ, Han JG, Tan Y, Xu JX, LeBlanc A, Keller BB, Huang J, Cai L. Right ventricular dysfunctions in type 1 diabetic mice: A longitudinal study. World J Diabetes. 2025 Oct 15;16(10):109526. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i10.109526. PMID: 41113481; PMCID: PMC12531695.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that type 1 diabetes in female OVE26 mice leads to progressive left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction, followed by right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. These findings highlight the temporal progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy and underscore the importance of monitoring both ventricles for early intervention in diabetes-related cardiac disease.

Karimi SM, Poursafargholi S, Bayan Mohamed Y, Zarei H, Moghadami M, Rose M, Goldsby M, Fu W, Little BB. The association of direct-acting antiviral therapy with health care utilization and costs in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: A systematic review of real-world studies in the United States. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2025 Nov;31(11):1189-1200. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2025.31.11.1189. PMID: 41171068; PMCID: PMC12577729.
Impact Statement: This systematic review highlights critical gaps in real-world evidence on health care utilization and costs for hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), revealing a lack of longitudinal and geographically detailed data. Addressing these gaps is essential to inform policy decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve access to effective HCV therapies across diverse populations.

Naslund LC, Mehring AS, Tomczyk NJ, Rosemond AD, McKay SK, Bernhardt ES, Wenger SJ. Consequences of dam removal for reservoir carbon storage and emissions. J Environ Manage. 2025 Oct 30;395:127792. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127792. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41172834.
Impact Statement: This study found that while dam removal can reduce local emissions from reservoirs, it may also decrease long-term carbon sequestration across the landscape. Modeling of three U.S. dam removals revealed that carbon balance outcomes depend strongly on geomorphic and ecological context, highlighting the need for erosion control and revegetation strategies to mitigate post-removal emissions.

Xu Q, Teng Y, Huang Y, Mu J, Teng L, Qian H, Huang Q, Liu M, Zou Y, Zhang L, Merchant ML, Zhang X, Yan J, Zhang HG. Onion-Mitochondria Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Shaping Lung Macrophage Mitochondrial Function. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Oct 6:e06107. doi: 10.1002/advs.202506107. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41051350.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that dietary onion-derived mitochondria can travel from the gut to the lungs and restore mitochondrial function in lung macrophages, protecting against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. These findings reveal a novel therapeutic strategy using edible plant-derived mitochondria to treat inflammatory lung diseases such as acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Merchant, Michael; Biederman, Laura; Barati, Michelle T.; Gaweda, Adam E.; Cummins, Timothy; Wilkey, Daniel Wade; Li, Hong; Hata, Jessica Lynn; Dougherty, Julie; Wenderfer, Scott E.; Hidalgo, Guillermo; Klein, Jon B.; Gaut, Joseph; Smoyer, William E. Spatial Proteomics Pipeline Enabling Single Glomerulus Study of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis: SA-PO0712. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 36(10S):10.1681/ASN.2025tcsfpwgh, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2025tcsfpwgh
Impact Statement: This study established a spatial proteomics and deep learning pipeline to analyze single glomeruli, revealing key molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying crescent formation in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The findings identify shared pathways and potential biomarkers across glomerulonephritis etiologies, paving the way for more targeted and effective treatments.

Merchant, Michael; Barati, Michelle T.; Wilkey, Daniel Wade; Gaweda, Adam E.; Cummins, Timothy; Klein, Jon B.. Use of Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) Stained Kidney Sections for Deep Visual Proteomics (DVP) Studies: SA-PO0711. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 36(10S):10.1681/ASN.2025868561ya, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2025868561ya
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that PAS staining is equivalent to traditional H&E staining for proteomic analysis of kidney biopsy specimens, showing no significant differences in protein detection or abundance. These findings support the integration of PAS-stained tissues into AI-guided digital pathology and proteomics workflows, enabling more seamless and informative analyses of clinical biopsy samples.

Warner DR, Warner JB, Hardesty JE, Abdelfadil Y, Soni C, Bauer P, Maldonado C, McClain CJ, Kirpich IA. Hepatocyte-Specific Transcriptional Responses to Liver-Targeted Delivery of a Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor in a Mouse Model of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. Biology (Basel). 2025 Sep 13;14(9):1267. doi: 10.3390/biology14091267. PMID: 41007411; PMCID: PMC12467949.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that a novel liver-targeted formulation of the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor t-TUCB effectively reduces liver injury and restores key metabolic and inflammatory pathways in a mouse model of alcohol-associated liver disease. These findings highlight liver-specific s-EH inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating ALD.

Dunn N, Zhang W, Blaney HL, Diaz LA, Patel A, Wong RJ, Arab JP, Younossi Z, McClain C, Kong M, Singal AK. Physical activity and advanced fibrosis in MASLD, MetALD, and ALD in a nationally representative cohort: NHANES 2017-2020. Hepatol Commun. 2025 Oct 14;9(11):e0797. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000797. PMID: 41085551; PMCID: PMC12520209.
Impact Statement: This study found that leisure-time physical activity, but not work-related activity, is associated with a lower risk of advanced fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction- and alcohol-associated liver disease. These results emphasize the importance of structured leisure-time exercise interventions as a potential strategy to reduce liver disease progression across the steatotic liver disease spectrum.

Shoctor, Nicholas A.; Cummins, Timothy; Lightman, Rebecca; Tandon, Shweta; Rane, Madhavi J.; Barati, Michelle T.; Caster, Dawn J.; Powell, David W.. Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein in Serum, Urine, and Neutrophils of Patients with Lupus Nephritis: TH-PO0681. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 36(10S):10.1681/ASN.2025k3p1mmc6, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2025k3p1mmc6
Impact Statement: This study identified multiple circulating forms of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) in lupus nephritis patient serum and a distinct urinary AGP profile associated with active disease. These findings advance understanding of AGP’s cellular origin and its potential as a biomarker for lupus nephritis activity and personalized disease monitoring.

Lederer, Eleanor D.; Gaweda, Adam E.; Gagnon, Kenneth Bradley; Rane, Madhavi J.. Recombinant Na-H Exchanger Regulatory Factor 1 (NHERF1) Prevents Kidney Injury: TH-PO0149. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 36(10S):10.1681/ASN.202533g8spd9, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1681/ASN.202533g8spd9
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that administering recombinant NHERF1 to knockout mice protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by restoring NHERF1 expression in proximal tubules. These findings highlight NHERF1 as a promising therapeutic target for preventing and treating acute kidney injury.

Barati, Michelle T.; Li, Hong; Rane, Madhavi J.; Powell, David W.; Caster, Dawn J.. Spatial Analysis of Neutrophil Subpopulations and Activity in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis Biopsies: SA-PO0736. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 36(10S):10.1681/ASN.202593d9k3qv, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1681/ASN.202593d9k3qv
Impact Statement: This study used high-resolution imaging mass cytometry to map neutrophil subsets within lupus nephritis kidney biopsies, revealing increased localization of low-density neutrophils in areas of glomerular injury. These findings provide new insights into the spatial dynamics of neutrophil-driven inflammation in lupus nephritis and highlight the potential role of specific neutrophil subsets in disease progression.

Johnson KEE, Stein S, Boateng RA, Jain S, Ramelli SC, Stantliff T, Curran S, Ramos-Benítez MJ, Platt AP, Banakis S, Wang W, Hewitt SM, Zerbe C, Holland SM, Kang EM, Singh M, de Wit E, Lauer WA, Rouchka EC, Smith M, Suthar MS, Chertow DS, Ghedin E. Tissue tropism and functional adaptation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in a fatal case of COVID-19. J Virol. 2025 Oct 31:e0085725. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00857-25. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41170974.
Impact Statement: This study reveals how SARS-CoV-2 can evolve differently across multiple organs in an immunocompromised individual, with tissue-specific mutations enhancing viral stability and host cell binding. These findings underscore the potential for viral diversification in non-respiratory tissues, offering insight into how persistent infections may contribute to the emergence of new variants.

Jana U, Rodriguez OL, Lees W, Engelbrecht E, Vanwinkle Z, Peres A, Gibson WS, Shields K, Schultze S, Dorgham A, Emery M, Deikus G, Sebra R, Eichler EE, Yaari G, Smith ML, Watson CT. The human IG heavy chain constant gene locus is enriched for large structural variants and coding polymorphisms that vary among human populations. Cell Genom. 2025 Oct 27:101058. doi: 10.1016/j.xgen.2025.101058. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41151584.
Impact Statement: This study provides the most comprehensive view to date of human immunoglobulin heavy chain constant (IGHC) gene diversity using long-read sequencing across individuals of diverse ancestry. The discovery of hundreds of novel alleles and structural variants, many with population-specific patterns and potential functional effects, establishes a new foundation for understanding how IGHC genetic variation shapes antibody function, immune response, and disease susceptibility.

Boyina, K., Holm, R.H., Smith, T., Samarasinghe, H. et al. A scoping review of the private sector involvement in wastewater and environmental surveillance. Discov Water 5, 84 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-025-00293-z
Impact Statement: This review highlights the current and potential roles of the private sector in enhancing global wastewater and environmental surveillance, revealing opportunities to optimize public health initiatives through strategic collaboration. By synthesizing evidence across 34 countries, these findings can inform more efficient, cost-effective, and impactful surveillance programs to support healthier communities worldwide.

Doelling B, Chaudhari M, Hoetker D, Brittian K, Nong Y, Stephan JK, Jouja I, Mitchell T, Wysoczynski M, Bhatnagar A, Jones SP, Baba SP. Carnosinylation of Cardiac Antigens Attenuates Immunogenic Responses and Improves Function in Failing Hearts. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Aug 31:2025.08.22.671840. doi: 10.1101/2025.08.22.671840. PMID: 40909674; PMCID: PMC12407691.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that increasing myocardial carnosine levels through β-alanine supplementation protects against adverse cardiac remodeling in heart failure. By binding to aldehyde-modified proteins and reducing their immunogenicity, carnosine mitigates oxidative and immune-driven cardiac damage, highlighting its therapeutic potential in heart failure management.

Kitching M, Ribble A, Wright A, Bhatnagar A, Haberzettl P. Sex differences in the redox response to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution protects female mice against metabolic and cardiac injury. Physiol Rep. 2025 Sep;13(17):e70536. doi: 10.14814/phy2.70536. PMID: 40892707; PMCID: PMC12404245.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that female mice are protected from the cardiometabolic toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), unlike males who exhibited impaired cardiac insulin signaling and increased oxidative stress. The findings highlight sex-specific resilience mechanisms, suggesting that enhanced pulmonary antioxidant defenses in females may mitigate PM2.5-induced metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction.

Thakurdesai A, Kumari A, Shay H, Elgharabawy K, Winrich EJ, Zhang W, Jackson A, Cave MC, Kong M, Zhang X, Singal AK, McClain CJ, Vatsalya V. Chronic and Heavy Drinking, Nutrition Status, and Progression of Liver Injury Negatively Affect the Mortality Risk in Patients Suffering from Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis. J Clin Med. 2025 Aug 31;14(17):6157. doi: 10.3390/jcm14176157. PMID: 40943916; PMCID: PMC12429474.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that chronic and recent heavy alcohol consumption, combined with poor nutritional status, significantly worsens the severity and mortality risk of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). Incorporating assessments of alcohol use patterns and nutrition into routine clinical care could help identify high-risk patients earlier and improve treatment outcomes.

Kakar A, Litkowski EM, Scadden AW, Anwar MY, Konigsberg IR, Stanislawski MA, DuPre NC, Mitra R, Baumgartner R, Raffield LM, Lange EM, Lange LA, Taylor KC. A multi-ethnic polygenic risk score for chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risk of hypertension in African American individuals. BMC Nephrol. 2025 Sep 26;26(1):524. doi: 10.1186/s12882-025-04425-4. PMID: 41013308; PMCID: PMC12465664.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that genetic predisposition to chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of hypertension among African American individuals, highlighting the complex genetic interplay between the two conditions. These findings underscore the potential clinical utility of CKD polygenic risk scores in improving risk prediction and guiding precision medicine approaches in African American populations.

Eadon MT, Hein DW, Andersen MA, Chapman AB, Cooper-DeHoff RM, Desta Z, Duarte JD, Elchynski AL, Gaedigk A, Karol SE, Limdi NA, Lteif C, Sosinski L, Zubiaur P, Whirl-Carrillo M, Klein TE, Caudle KE, Donnelly RS, Agúndez JAG. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline for NAT2 Genotype and Hydralazine Therapy. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2025 Sep 19. doi: 10.1002/cpt.70071. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40974042.
Impact Statement: This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for hydralazine prescribing based on NAT2 genotype, enabling clinicians to tailor therapy according to a patient’s predicted acetylator phenotype. Implementing these recommendations can improve treatment efficacy and minimize adverse drug reactions, advancing precision medicine in hypertension and heart failure management.

Asplund H, Dreyer HH, Zheng JJ, Singhal R, Hellmann JL, Sansbury BE . Splenic erythrophagocytosis is regulated by ALX/FPR2 signaling. Haematologica. 2025 Sep 11. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2025.288007. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40931861.
Impact Statement: This study identifies the ALX/FPR2 signaling axis as a key regulator of red blood cell homeostasis by controlling red pulp macrophage activation and erythrophagocytosis. Findings demonstrate that lipoxin A4 (LXA4)–mediated activation of this pathway is essential for efficient clearance of damaged RBCs and adaptation to acute erythroid stress.

Curnutte M, Karimi S, Cohen J, LePreze D, Little B. Competitive Food Policy and Food Behavior and Health Metrics in K-12 Students: A Scoping Review. J Sch Nurs. 2025 Sep 17:10598405251374728. doi: 10.1177/10598405251374728. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40961227.
Impact Statement: This review demonstrates that competitive food policies, particularly those implemented after the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, consistently improve student health outcomes without adverse effects. By synthesizing evidence across multiple studies, it highlights school food policy as an effective and equitable strategy for promoting childhood health and guiding future research and practice.

Shakib SH, Karimi SM, McGeeney JD, Parh MYA, Zarei H, Chen Y, Goldman B, Novario D, Schurfranz M, Warren CA, Antimisiaris D, Little BB, McKinney WP, Graham AJ. Local Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts and Associated Outcomes: Evidence from Jefferson County, Kentucky. Vaccines (Basel). 2025 Aug 26;13(9):901. doi: 10.3390/vaccines13090901. PMID: 41012107; PMCID: PMC12474317.
Impact Statement:This study shows that locally coordinated COVID-19 vaccination efforts by the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness significantly reduced cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across ZIP codes. However, observed racial disparities in vaccine-related outcomes highlight the need for more equitable, community-driven vaccination strategies to ensure consistent health benefits across populations.

Stocke KS, Pandey SD, Jin S, Perpich JD, Yakoumatos L, Kosaki H, Wilkey DW, Fitzsimonds ZR, Vashishta A, Snider I, Sriwastva MK, Li H, Jin JZ, Miller DP, Merchant ML, Bagaitkar J, Uriarte SM, Potempa J, Lamont RJ. Tyrosine phosphorylation coupling of one-carbon metabolism and virulence in an endogenous pathogen. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2025 Oct 7;122(40):e2514754122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2514754122. Epub 2025 Sep 29. PMID: 41021815.
Impact Statement:This study reveals that Porphyromonas gingivalis modulates its virulence through a metabolic signaling mechanism linking one-carbon metabolism to protease localization. By identifying tyrosine phosphorylation–dependent control of gingipain partitioning via the pABA–Ltp1–Ptk1 pathway, the work uncovers a novel coupling between bacterial metabolism and pathogenic potential.

Diaz LA, Thiele M, Louvet A, Lee BP, Ajmera V, Tavaglione F, Hsu CL, Huang DQ, Pose E, Bataller R, McClain C, Mellinger J, Tincopa M, Mitchell MC, Ratziu V, Rinella ME, Sarin SK, Shah VH, Szabo G, Wong VW, Bansal MB, Leggio L, Kamath PS, Krag A, Sanyal AJ, Arrese M, Arab JP, Anstee QM, Mathurin P, Loomba R. Clinical trial design, biomarkers and end points in metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Sep 26. doi: 10.1038/s41575-025-01120-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41006824.
Impact Statement: This study outlines key considerations for improving clinical trial design in metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), a condition driven by both metabolic dysfunction and alcohol use. By integrating non-invasive biomarkers, imaging modalities, and adaptive trial designs, these recommendations aim to enhance diagnostic precision, trial feasibility, and the development of effective therapies for MetALD.

Dasarathy S, Tu W, Welch N, Gawrieh S, Yu Y, Tang Q, Kettler C, Sanyal AJ, Szabo G, Shah VH, Bataller R, Nagy LE, McClain C, Chalasani N, Kerr T, Mitchell M; for AlcHepNet Investigators. Natural history and development of a novel composite endpoint in patients with alcohol-associated Hepatitis: Data from a prospective multicenter study. Hepatology. 2025 Sep 9. doi: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000001513. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40924794.
Impact Statement: This study provides the most comprehensive characterization to date of the clinical course and outcomes in alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), revealing that nearly two-thirds of patients experience major liver or alcohol-related events within six months. By introducing the AlcHepNet composite index—which integrates mortality, liver decompensation, transplantation, and return to drinking—these findings establish a robust framework for future clinical trials and prognostic assessment in AH.

Williams K, Puvvula J, Holmes JH, Yang W, Veasey S, Liu J, Yolton K, Cecil KM, Xu Y, Braun JM, Lanphear BP, Sears C, Vuong AM, Sjödin A, Chen A. Associations between gestational polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) serum concentrations and child sleep outcomes from ages 2-8 years. Environ Res. 2025 Sep 3;286(Pt 1):122756. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122756. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40912623.
Impact Statement: This study found that higher gestational exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was associated with greater sleep irregularity and disruption in children from ages 2 to 8 years. These findings suggest that disrupted sleep may be an important pathway linking prenatal PBDE exposure to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes.

Reynolds BR, Raph SM, Ramalingam A, Srivastava S, Lorkiewicz P, Watson LE, Brittian KR, Collins HE, Carll AP. Don't go vaping my heart: e-cigarette exposure during pregnancy promotes peripartum ventricular arrhythmias and sympathetic dominance. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2025 Oct 1;329(4):H889-H898. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00509.2025. Epub 2025 Sep 4. PMID: 40908112.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that e-cigarette exposure during pregnancy disrupts maternal cardiac function, enhancing sympathetic “fight-or-flight” influence over the heart and evoking ventricular arrhythmias during labor and postpartum. These findings reveal vaping while pregnant may harm the maternal heart, with effects lasting well after exposure cessation.

Wise JTF, Chiarugi D, Chi J, Wise JP Sr. Hexavalent chromium exposure impacts the metabolome of human lung fibroblast cells. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2025 Sep 12;92:127750. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127750. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40961519.
Impact Statement: This study is the first to link energy metabolism responses to chemical carcinogenesis, revealing hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] exposure disrupts amino acid and nucleotide metabolism in human lung cells. These findings provide a foundation for future research into how altered cellular energetics contribute to the early stages of lung cancer development.

Miralles-Pérez B, Ramos-Romero S, Charpentier MJ, Sánchez-Martos V, Fortuño-Mar À, Ponomarenko J, Amézqueta S, Piñol-Piñol D, Zhang X, Torres JL, Romeu M. Dietary Consumption of Type 2 Resistant Starch and d-Fagomine Delays Progression of Metabolic Disturbances in Male Rats on High-Fat Diet. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2025 Sep 9:e70230. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.70230. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40926357.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrated that dietary Type 2 resistant starch (RS2) from high-amylose maize significantly reduced fat accumulation, improved glucose tolerance, and alleviated liver steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet, likely through modulation of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids. These findings suggest RS2 may offer greater potential than d-fagomine (FG) from buckwheat for preventing obesity-related metabolic disturbances. 

Shields LBE, Iyer VG, Kluthe T, Jawad K, Cai J, Zhang YP, Shields CB. Clinical and Electrodiagnostic Correlations of Ultrasound-Detected Markedly Enlarged Median Nerve at the Wrist. Neurol Int. 2025 Aug 7;17(8):124. doi: 10.3390/neurolint17080124. PMID: 40863993; PMCID: PMC12389687. 
Impact Statement: This study found that ultrasound can detect a rare but important sign of severe carpal tunnel syndrome, an unusually enlarged median nerve. Early recognition allows timely treatment and careful surgical planning to prevent nerve injury, helping preserve hand function, improve quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs. 

Narain M, Breen M, Carll AP, Hazari M, Farraj A, Ward-Caviness CK. Modification of associations between ambient PM2.5 and vital signs by β-blocker prescription status among individuals with heart failure. Environ Health. 2025 Aug 7;24(1):55. doi: 10.1186/s12940-025-01203-5. PMID: 40775722; PMCID: PMC12333237. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that β-blocker usage significantly reduces the association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and increased heart rate among individuals with heart failure. These findings highlight the importance of considering medication effects when evaluating cardiovascular risks from air pollution and suggest potential avenues for mitigating PM2.5-related morbidity. 

Xie Z, Sutaria SR, Chen JY, Gao H, Conklin DJ, Keith RJ, Srivastava S, Lorkiewicz P, Bhatnagar A. Human exposure to green spaces and monoterpenes: discovery and use of α-pinene metabolites as biomarkers. Environ Int. 2025 Aug;202:109710. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109710. Epub 2025 Aug 4. PMID: 40763643. 
Impact Statement: This study’s identification of α-pinene metabolites as biomarkers enhances the ability to quantify human exposure to green spaces, informing public health strategies to promote access to nature environments. This finding could guide urban planning to improve green space availability, supporting better cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Sar BK, Harris LM, Archuleta AJ, Rhema SH, Adams NB, Nyerges E, Sato D. Resettlement Workforce Perspectives on Mental Health Care of Refugees. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Aug 9;22(8):1247. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22081247. PMID: 40869833; PMCID: PMC12386608. 
Impact Statement: This study highlights the perspectives of the refugee resettlement workforce on barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health care for resettled refugees. Findings provide actionable recommendations to improve programming, policies, and services that support refugees’ mental health, self-sufficiency, and successful community integration.

Jones SP, O'Leary N, Pena Calderin E, Singhal R, Hellmann J, Damacena de Angelis C, Brittian KR, Welling PA, Nong Y, Sears SM. Exercise sensitizes the pressure diuresis response: shifting immune landscapes may underlie renal adaptations. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2025 Sep 1;329(3):F362-F373. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00218.2025. Epub 2025 Aug 11. PMID: 40789206. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that exercise induces functional and cellular adaptations in the kidneys, including increased cortical microvascular volume, improved pressure diuresis efficiency, and expansion of kidney resident macrophages. These findings provide new insights into how physical activity supports renal health and suggest potential mechanisms by which exercise protects against kidney injury and age-related decline.

Habil MR, Hein DW. Mini-review: Human N-acetyltransferase genetic polymorphisms in susceptibility to aromatic amine and alkylaniline genotoxicity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2025 Jul 28;392(9):103670. doi: 10.1016/j.jpet.2025.103670. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40834652. 
Impact Statement: Mammalian models transfected with recombinant human N-acetyltransferase (NAT) alleles have been constructed to investigate the role of NAT polymorphisms in metabolism or genotoxicity of these carcinogens. This mini-review describes biological plausibility for aromatic amine and alkylaniline carcinogenicity that further supports NAT polymorphisms as important factors for aromatic amine and alkylaniline risk assessments.

Hein DW. Report on the 2024 international phase II/N-acetyltransferase workshop. Arch Toxicol. 2025 Aug 30. doi: 10.1007/s00204-025-04180-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40885834. 
Impact Statement: The major focus of the workshop was a roundtable describing and discussing new N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene nomenclature which very recently has undergone substantial revisions and upgrades consistent with Pharmacogene Variation Consortium (PharmVar) standards. The roundtable generated an extensive discussion of NAT2 nomenclature, allele functions, and clinical implementation among the participants which informed the various PharmVar and CPIC NAT2 expert panels in making their consensus recommendations. The roundtable was followed by six platform sessions addressing: (1) diversity in NAT2 and other pharmacogenes; (2) NATs in chronic diseases; (3) NAT2 allele definition and function; (4) NATs and mitochondrial function; (5) NAT functions in xenobiotic metabolism and beyond; and (6) UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. 

Li L, Wang J, Hu T, Xu J, Huang J. The Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Multipoint Thoracic Paravertebral Nerve Block in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS): A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. Obes Surg. 2025 Aug 18. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-08154-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40824552. 
Impact Statement: Multipoint nerve blocks improves the quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery and reduces postoperative pain and opioid use.

Robertson KM, Cermack K, Woodruff T, Carter SR, Jala VR, Buonpane C. Review: microbial metabolites - a key to address gut inflammation and barrier dysfunction in the premature infant. Gut Microbes. 2025 Dec;17(1):2551117. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2025.2551117. Epub 2025 Aug 31. PMID: 40887742. 
Impact Statement: This review highlights the critical role of microbiome-derived metabolites in shaping gut barrier development and inflammation in preterm infants, with implications for conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). By exploring potential protective mechanisms, the findings underscore opportunities for developing targeted strategies to strengthen gut integrity and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population. Christie Buonpane is the corresponding author. 

Hu H, Zheng Q, Kong M. Statistical methods for assessing treatment effects on ordinal outcomes using observational data. Commun Stat Simul Comput. 2025 Apr 14:10.1080/03610918.2025.2488945. doi: 10.1080/03610918.2025.2488945. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40857455; PMCID: PMC12338247. 
Impact Statement: We propose a marginal structural ordinal logistic regression model to evaluate treatment effects on ordinal outcomes, which are common yet less frequently studied. This approach uses inverse probability of treatment weighting to adjust for confounding, ensuring that treatment effects are estimated appropriately. 

Griffin G, Delnicki ME, Lu H, Meaza I, Williams A, Vielee ST, Bolatimi OE, Wise RM, Liu R, Kouokam JC, Wise SS, Wise JP Sr, Cave MC, Wise JP Jr, Wise JL. Exposure to low levels of hexavalent chromium in drinking water alters diet-induced steatotic liver disease in male rats. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2025 Aug 23;91:127731. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127731. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40886507. 
Impact Statement: This manuscript emphasizes the need to reevaluate current regulatory standards for hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in U.S. public drinking water and is the first to demonstrate that exposure to Cr(VI) and a high-fat diet—two prevalent factors among U.S. populations—exacerbates diet-induced steatotic liver disease. These findings provide critical insight into environmental and dietary interactions that may contribute to liver pathology, with direct relevance to public health policy. 

Lim AS, Cruz SN, Uddin AA, Malysheva O, Caudill MA, Alonso C, Montilla A, Karsdal MA, Leeming DJ, Mayorca-Guiliani AE, Svejsø FH, McClain CJ, Morgan TR. Pilot trials of oral betaine in participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and elevated alanine aminotransferase. Hepatology. 2025 Aug 4. doi: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000001477. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40758380. 
Impact Statement: This publication demonstrates that lower doses of betaine (2–8 g/day) significantly reduce ALT levels and other markers of liver injury in individuals with clinically defined MASLD and elevated ALT. These findings suggest that betaine may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for improving liver health in this population. 

Navarro-Corcuera A, Zhu Y, Ma F, Gupta N, Asplund H, Cogliati B, Chipuk JE, Rom O, Friedman SL, Sansbury BE, Huang X, Cai B. Resolvin D1-mediated cellular crosstalk protects against MASH. JHEP Rep. 2025 May 14;7(8):101454. doi: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2025.101454. PMID: 40671835; PMCID: PMC12260426.
Impact Statement: This study reveals that resolvin D1 (RvD1) protects against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) progression by reducing hepatocyte death, inflammation, and fibrosis through alleviation of ER stress and modulation of intercellular signaling. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights into RvD1-mediated cellular crosstalk and support its potential as a therapeutic strategy for MASH. 

Gornitzka MB, Røsjø E, Jana U, Ford EE, Tourancheau A, Lees W, Vanwinkle Z, Smith ML, Watson CT, Lossius A. Ultra-long sequencing for contiguous haplotype resolution of the human immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. Genome Res. 2025 Aug 21:gr.280400.125. doi: 10.1101/gr.280400.125. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40841171. 
Impact Statement: This study introduces a novel sequencing and bioinformatic approach that generates haplotype-resolved, single-contig assemblies of the human immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) locus, overcoming previous limitations in phasing and structural characterization. By uncovering 28 novel alleles and complex structural variants, this method provides a powerful foundation for advancing immunological research and understanding genetic factors influencing immune function and disease susceptibility. 

Book Chapter: Smith, T. Generative artificial intelligence for research translation in environmental toxicology. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Toxicology and Environmental Health. Zhoumeng Lin, Wei-Chun Chou (Editors). Elsevier 2025.ISBN: 9780443300103. 
Impact Statement: This book chapter provides environmental toxicologists with a practical framework to use generative AI and community-informed prompt development to translate complex environmental toxicology research into accessible language for non-scientists. This translation can empower communities and inform evidence-based policymaking. 

Lin Q, Hui X, Gu C, Min K, Xiong L, Zhou W, Xu J, Watson SE, Wintergerst KA, Cai L, Deng Z, Tan Y. High-Fat Diet Differentially Regulates Fibroblast Growth Factor Expression in Metabolic Tissues of Young and Aged Male Mice. J Endocr Soc. 2025 May 29;9(8):bvaf096. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvaf096. PMID: 40585885; PMCID: PMC12203008. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns in response to high-fat diet-induced metabolic stress, with the heart, liver, and kidney showing the most pronounced changes. Identifying FGF1 as the most responsive factor highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for obesity- and aging-related metabolic dysfunction.

Lü L, Bai M, Wang X, Liu J, Wu X, Zhang HG, Feng W, Chen SY. Ethanol exposure impaired mitotic division in apical radial glial cells and disrupted early cortical development in human forebrain organoids: Implications for ethanol-induced microcephaly. Toxicology. 2025 Nov;517:154244. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2025.154244. Epub 2025 Jul 28. PMID: 40729939; PMCID: PMC12340778. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts mitotic division in apical radial glial cells, leading to fewer outer radial glial cells and impaired cortical development in human forebrain organoids. These findings reveal a key cellular mechanism underlying ethanol-induced microcephaly and point to potential targets for therapeutic intervention. 

Xie Z, Conklin DJ, Jin L, Miller A, Stowers H, Gallagher J, Keith RJ, Chen JY, Lorkiewicz P. Characterizing Oxidative Metabolites of 6-Methylnicotine (6MN; aka metatine™): Divergent Metabolism from Nicotine and Identification of Urinary Biomarkers of Exposure. Toxicol Sci. 2025 Jul 21:kfaf107. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf107. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40690396. 
Impact Statement: This study identifies unique metabolic pathways and biomarkers of exposure for the synthetic nicotine analog 6-methylnicotine, detected in both animal models and human users of “tobacco-free” products. By uncovering its distinct metabolism and demonstrating acute neurotoxic effects, these findings highlight the urgent need for compound-specific monitoring to inform regulatory oversight and protect public health. 

Endo T, Tran K, Goodin DA, Katsaros G, Xie Z, Fu XA, Pantalos G, Frieboes HB, van Berkel V. Predicting and diagnosing pneumonia in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery via machine learning analysis of exhaled volatile carbonyl compounds. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2025 Jul 3:S0022-5223(25)00548-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2025.06.028. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40615109. 
Impact Statement: This study shows that volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath can be analyzed with machine learning to accurately diagnose and predict pneumonia in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. These findings highlight the potential for a noninvasive tool to guide early intervention and improve postoperative outcomes. 

Wells CK, Nguyen DC, Brainard RE, McNally LA, De Silva M, Brittian KR, Garrett L, Taylor MS, Martinez-Ondaro Y, Howard C, Suluru S, Dassanayaka S, Mohamed TMA, Singhal R, Gibb AA, Lorkiewicz PK, Moore JB 4th, Jones SP, Hill BG. Pyruvate kinase splice variants in fibroblasts influence cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in male mice. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2025 Jul 10;206:11-26. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2025.07.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40651593; PMCID: PMC12344556. 
Impact Statement: This study shows that switching fibroblast PKM2 to PKM1 improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction by enhancing contractile activity and reshaping fibroblast metabolism, without altering fibrosis. These findings highlight pyruvate kinase isoforms as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate adverse cardiac remodeling. 

Challa AA, Hill BG, Nystoriak MA, Gouwens KR, Kalra DK. Ketone Bodies in Cardiovascular Disease: The Vasculature as a Therapeutic Target. JACC Basic Transl Sci. 2025 Jul 17;10(8):101328. doi: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2025.101328. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40680507; PMCID: PMC12296504. 
Impact Statement: This review highlights the emerging role of ketone bodies as vasculo-protective agents that improve vascular function and contribute to cardioprotection. By elucidating their wide-ranging effects on endothelial health, blood flow, and vascular resistance, it underscores the therapeutic potential of ketone bodies in cardiovascular disease. 

Bottussi A, D'Andria Ursoleo J, Perinati L, Pruna A, Agosta VT, Russo C, Huang J, Monaco F. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Perioperative Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Noncardiac Surgery: A Multimodal Approach. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2025 Jun 22:S1053-0770(25)00530-0. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2025.06.035. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40645831; PMCID: PMC12319542.

Bernstein WK, Pearl RG, Huang J, Mayrsohn BG, Mery MW, Banoub M, Pease S, Ayad S, Saffary R, Olszewski RF Jr, Aronson S, Vetter TR. Enhancing Anesthetic Preoptimization: Promising Opportunities for Innovation in Economically Diverse Regions. Anesth Analg. 2025 Jul 3. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000007629. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40608563. 
Impact Statement: This review emphasizes the critical role of anesthesiologists in advancing value-based perioperative care through proactive preoperative evaluation and optimization of common medical conditions. By integrating the latest research and innovations, it highlights opportunities to reduce complications, improve outcomes, and address gaps in perioperative management, especially in resource limited settings. 

Colvin G, Polivka BJ, Cramer E, Nyenhuis S, Huntington-Moskos L, Krueger K, Bimbi O, Eldeirawi K. Perceived Stress, Residential Indoor PM2.5 Concentration, and Motor Vehicle Traffic Exposure Among Adults with Asthma: A Secondary Analysis. Am J Nurs. 2025 Aug 1;125(8):38-42. doi: 10.1097/AJN.0000000000000119. Epub 2025 Jul 24. PMID: 40702626; PMCID: PMC12337003. 
Impact Statement: This study found that higher indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels were significantly associated with greater perceived stress among adults with poorly controlled asthma. These findings highlight the importance of improving indoor air quality as part of asthma management and stress reduction strategies. 

Petri BJ, Piell KM, Avila-Valdes BL, Stanley CG, Winkler LJ, Brown JT, Ulett R, Sanchez G, Chariker JH, Rouchka EC, Klinge CM. Integrated Nanopore and short-read RNA sequencing identifies dysregulation of METTL3- m6A modifications in endocrine therapy- sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells. Funct Integr Genomics. 2025 Jul 9;25(1):149. doi: 10.1007/s10142-025-01658-2. PMID: 40632306; PMCID: PMC12241209. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that inhibition of METTL3 alters m6A RNA modifications in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells, uncovering distinct epitranscriptomic patterns associated with endocrine therapy resistance. These findings provide new insight into how m6A dysregulation contributes to therapy resistance and highlight potential targets for overcoming treatment failure in breast cancer. 

Warner DR, Warner JB, Abdelfadil Y, Hardesty JE, Treves R, Lei C, Hanford HE, McClain CJ, Kirpich IA. Effects of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition on liver injury and gut microbiota in mice chronically fed ethanol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken). 2025 Jul 3:10.1111/acer.70109. doi: 10.1111/acer.70109. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40611388; PMCID: PMC12266649. 
Impact Statement: This study shows that inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase with t-TUCB reduces alcohol-induced liver injury by preserving protective epoxy fatty acids and improving gut microbiota balance. These findings highlight s-EH inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for alcohol-associated liver disease. 

Cummins TD, Mariani LH, Wilkey DW, Jortani SA, Helmuth M, Rane MJ, Merchant ML, Kamigaki Y, Theesfeld C, McCown PJ, Ju W, Dougherty JA, McRitchie S, Pathmasiri W, Kretzler M, Sumner SJ, Smoyer WE, Klein JB; Cure Glomerulonephropathy (CureGN) Consortium. Defining subgroups of pediatric nephrotic patients with urine proteomics. Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 11;15(1):25064. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-05150-6. PMID: 40646010. 
Impact Statement: This study identifies distinct urine proteomic profiles in children with minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, revealing molecular heterogeneity within pediatric nephrotic syndrome. These findings highlight the potential of proteomic biomarkers to predict disease activity and guide more personalized treatment strategies. 

Stopforth CK, Sears C, Gao H, Riggs DW, Srivastava S, Krivokhizhina T, Hart JL, Walker KL, Srivastava S, Bhatnagar A, Keith RJ. Associations of sympathetic activation with exposure to volatile organic compounds: A cross-sectional study. Environ Res. 2025 Jul 25;285(Pt 2):122451. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.122451. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40716602. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is associated with elevated sympathetic activation, as reflected by higher levels of monoamines and their metabolites. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into how VOC exposure may contribute to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. 

Hui X, Lin Q, Liu K, Gu C, Abdelbaset-Ismail A, Wintergerst KA, Deng Z, Cai L, Tan Y. Fibroblast growth factor 16: Molecular mechanisms, signalling crosstalk, and emerging roles in cardiac biology and metabolic regulation. Pharmacol Res. 2025 Aug;218:107858. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107858. Epub 2025 Jul 13. PMID: 40664344. 
Impact Statement: This review highlights the essential role of FGF16 in heart development, cardiac homeostasis, and protection against pathological remodeling, while also exploring its emerging metabolic functions. By synthesizing current evidence and identifying critical knowledge gaps, it underscores FGF16’s potential as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. 

Goodin DA, Miller HA, Yin X, Zhang X, Chen J, Williams BJ, Frieboes HB. Stratification of glioblastoma patient survival based on tumor core and edge metabolomic data. J Neurosurg. 2025 Jul 11:1-12. doi: 10.3171/2025.3.JNS242330. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40644725. 
Impact Statement: This study evaluated metabolites obtained from core and edge glioblastoma (GBM) tissues at the time of resection as biomarkers to risk-stratify patients in terms of overall survival (OS), and we discovered that the OS of patients with GBM can be stratified based on metabolomic differences between core and edge tumor tissues.

Abolins-Abols M, Yeager R, Turner J, Smith T, Bhatnagar A. Greenness and pollution exposure predict corticosterone concentration in an urban songbird. Front Physiol. 2025 Jun 25;16:1603811. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1603811. PMID: 40636149; PMCID: PMC12238760. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that even small-scale variations in air pollution and vegetation within urban neighborhoods can significantly influence stress and body condition in American robins. The findings highlight how local environmental factors interact with sex-specific physiology, offering new insight into how urban ecosystems affect wildlife health.

Decker H, Combs R, Lorenz K, Harris L, Wendel M. "He went to jail. But Is That Justice?" Sexual Violence Survivors' Perspectives on Justice, Accountability, and Repairing Sexual Harm. J Interpers Violence. 2025 Jul 24:8862605251355614. doi: 10.1177/08862605251355614. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40704926. 
Impact Statement: This study highlights the need for survivor-centered and community-based approaches to justice that prioritize healing, safety, and accountability over punitive responses. By amplifying the lived experiences of sexual violence survivors in Kentucky, the findings underscore opportunities to create more equitable and health-promoting systems that better support survivors and address systemic inequities.

Pan XL, Xi YF, Liang P, Huang J. Therapeutic Potential of Anesthesiology for Sleep Disorders in the Perioperative Period. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2025 Jun 30. doi: 10.2174/011570159X368375250611103614. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40598736. 
Impact Statement: This research advances understanding of how anesthetic agents interact with the sleep–wake circuit, offering insights into their potential use for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. By summarizing recent findings on the mechanisms of sleep regulation and anesthetic effects, the study highlights promising directions for improving therapeutic strategies for insomnia and sleep apnea.

Bottussi A, D'Andria Ursoleo J, Perinati L, Pruna A, Agosta VT, Russo C, Huang J, Monaco F. Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Perioperative Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Noncardiac Surgery: A Multimodal Approach. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2025 Jun 22:S1053-0770(25)00530-0. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2025.06.035. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40645831; PMCID: PMC12319542. 
Impact Statement: Schematic representation of the main determinants of right ventricular function, the determinant pathophysiological alterations in right ventricular dysfunction in their impact in the perioperative noncardiac surgery settings, alongside a flowchart of the management of perioperative right ventricular dysfunction. CO, cardiac output; iv, intravenous; LV, left ventricle; RV, right ventricle; RVD, right ventricular dysfunction.

Warner DR, Warner JB, Abdelfadil Y, Hardesty JE, Treves R, Lei C, Hanford HE, McClain CJ, Kirpich IA. Effects of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition on liver injury and gut microbiota in mice chronically fed ethanol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken). 2025 Aug;49(8):1730-1743. doi: 10.1111/acer.70109. Epub 2025 Jul 3. PMID: 40611388; PMCID: PMC12266649. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that inhibiting soluble epoxide hydrolase (s-EH) with t-TUCB reduces alcohol-induced liver injury and inflammation while promoting beneficial shifts in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota composition. These findings highlight s-EH inhibition as a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating liver damage and improving outcomes in alcohol-associated liver disease.

Banerjee M, Scott JL, Lykoudi A, Hwang JY, Park JW, States JC. Chronic arsenic exposure and hsa-miR-186 overexpression causes transcriptome-wide differential alternative splicing contributing to skin carcinogenesis in human HaCaT cell line. Arch Toxicol. 2025 Jun 13. doi: 10.1007/s00204-025-04104-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40512198. 
Impact Statement: This publication shows how miRNA-186 overexpression by itself and together with chronic environmental arsenic exposure modulates transcriptome-wide homeostatic alternative splicing program in preclinical human keratinocyte cell line model ushering in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma phenotype. 

Batra L, Saxena D, Poddar T, Zahin M, Amraotkar A, Bezold MM, Kitterman KT, Deitz KA, Lasnik AB, Keith RJ, Bhatnagar A, Kong M, Gabbard JD, Severson WE, Palmer KE. Mucosal and Serum Neutralization Immune Responses Elicited by COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Vaccinated and Breakthrough-Infection Individuals: A Longitudinal Study from Louisville Cohort. Vaccines (Basel). 2025 May 24;13(6):559. doi: 10.3390/vaccines13060559. PMID: 40573890; PMCID: PMC12197714.
Impact Statement: This study found that while mRNA COVID-19 vaccines provide strong initial immune protection, breakthrough infections significantly enhance both systemic and mucosal antibody responses, particularly against emerging Omicron variants. These findings highlight the potential benefits of natural exposure post-vaccination and support the development of next-generation mucosal vaccines to strengthen long-term pandemic preparedness. 

Liu Y, Luo X, Peng Y, Cai L. Cardio-Metabolic Effects of Nickel: A Narrative Review. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2025 Jul;25(7):944-954. doi: 10.1007/s12012-025-10014-6. Epub 2025 Jun 1. PMID: 40450615. 
Impact Statement: This comprehensive but narrative review, focusing one clinical observations and database analyses derived from human survey datasets, alongside experimental studies conducted on animal models exposed to varying doses of nickel, reveals a potential association between nickel exposure and cardiovascular as well as metabolic disease variables although at low doses, inconclusive findings remain, mainly due to the clinical variables differently used in different studies. Consequently, this review underscores the urgent need for further investigation utilizing both human data and experimental animal models, particularly focusing on low-level nickel exposure, to elucidate the cardiovascular and metabolic consequences of nickel exposure in humans.

Islam R, Yang J, Li M, Mokshagundam SP, Cai L, Li J. Fatty acids and physical activity are critical for β-cell mass and insulin sensitivity: Pathways to T2D and prevention. J Theor Biol. 2025 Jun 16;611:112188. doi: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2025.112188. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40532944. 
Impact Statement: Existing mathematical models investigating the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D) over time primarily focus on glucose, insulin, β-cell mass, and other related factors, while often omitting fatty acids (FA) as an explicit variable-despite FA being a major energy source for the body. Analysis of our new model supports the notion that glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity accelerate β-cell decline, impair insulin secretion, and drive T2D progression. Elevated FA thus emerges not only as a contributing pathway but also as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease development. Therefore, the observed relationship between glucose and FA levels suggests a quantitative marker that could be used to track progression toward T2D.

Guven I, Bai L, Huang J. Operations research in perioperative clinical decision-making. BJA Educ. 2025 Jul;25(7):289-298. doi: 10.1016/j.bjae.2025.04.001. Epub 2025 May 14. PMID: 40575592; PMCID: PMC12191019. 
Impact Statement: This article introduces the key principles and techniques of operations research—optimization, simulation, decision analysis, and Markov decision processes—and highlights their relevance to anesthesiology. By applying these methods, clinicians and healthcare systems can improve decision-making, resource allocation, and patient care in areas such as operating room scheduling and closed-loop anesthesia control.

Klinge CM, Chariker JH, Piell KM, Petri BJ, Rouchka EC, Cave MC. Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure Alters tRNA Transcriptome in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mouse Liver. Noncoding RNA. 2025 May 22;11(3):41. doi: 10.3390/ncrna11030041. PMID: 40559619; PMCID: PMC12195632. 
Impact Statement: This study builds on previous RNA-seq and global epitranscriptome analysis showing that exposures of high fat diet-fed mice to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) resulted in pathways involved in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here we used the tRNA analysis of expression (tRAX) pipeline to identify PCB-specific changes in the tRNA transcriptome, including tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs), in the livers of the PCB-exposed mice. Some results are concordant with previously identified changes in hepatic Angiogenin (ANG) protein which generates tRF-3s. Four previously reported tRNA modifications corresponded to positions of PCB-associated tRNA modifications identified by tRAX: m1A, m6A, ms2t6A, and Ψ. Overall, the differences in hepatic tRNAs and tRFs with three different PCB exposures suggest that PCB exposures play an unexplored role in regulating translation in mouse liver. 

Huang EC, Xu Q, Liu Y, Liu P, Kong M, Huang J. Effects of Reminders from SanibitTM Electronic Hand Hygiene System and Incentives on Hand Hygiene Compliance - A Prospective, Four Phased, Observational Study. J Hosp Infect. 2025 May 31:S0195-6701(25)00162-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2025.05.014. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40456488. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that individualized reminders and a point-based incentive system using the Sanibit™ automated hand hygiene monitoring system significantly improved hand hygiene compliance in an intensive care setting. The combination of light and vibration cues with a point system was most effective, highlighting the value of tailored, multi-modal interventions to enhance infection prevention practices. 

Shine A, Eisa M, Omer E, Heckroth M, Eiswerth M, Rogers B, Tennant P, Nguyen V, Maung AA, Kong M, McClave SA. Does Increasing Size of Bougienage Improve Response to Esophageal Dilation? Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2025 Jun 11;27(1):39. doi: 10.1007/s11894-025-00982-8. PMID: 40498154. 
Impact Statement: This study was designed to determine whether using larger dilators would improve the durability of response to bougienage. A total of 35 patients were recruited. The results suggest that bougienage with dilators larger than 14–16 mm (42–48 Fr) does not enhance the durability of symptomatic relief or other health-related outcomes.

Lindsey ML, LeBlanc AJ, Ripplinger CM, Kassiri Z, Kirk JA, Kleinbongard P, Carter JR, Brunt KR. Progress on Incorporating Sex as a Biological Variable in Cardiovascular Research. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2025 Jun 26. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00230.2025. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40569572. 
Impact Statement: This editorial highlights the progress of the American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology two years after instituting a implemented a pioneering policy for cardiovascular research requiring authors to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) in their experimental design, analysis, and reporting. Reflecting back, the cardiovascular research community has embraced this change and we’ve complemented this policy with the most successful Call for Papers in journal history, “Considering Sex as a Biological Variable in Cardiovascular Research”. 

Nail AN, Chavez AV, Bailey AN, Banerjee M, Scott JL, Thomas SD, States JC. DNA damage response inhibition is an early event in cadmium-induced breast carcinogenesis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2025 Jun 10;502:117439. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2025.117439. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40505819. 
Impact Statement: The discovery that long-term cadmium exposure can inhibit BRCA1 protein function in breast epithelial cells is significant, especially given that BRCA1 loss-of-function is common in women with triple-negative breast cancer. This suggests that cadmium exposure may help explain some sporadic cases of triple-negative breast cancer in women without known hereditary risk factors, particularly those living in areas with elevated cadmium pollution. 

Prantzalos ER, Chesser JP, Logan JS, McLaurin KA, Anderson CD, Gabbard JD, Severson WE, Palmer KE, Mullins BJ, Dwoskin L, Turner JR. NMDA receptor antagonists mitigate COVID-19-induced neuroinflammation and improve survival in a mouse model. Sci Rep. 2025 Jun 4;15(1):19603. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00738-4. PMID: 40467606; PMCID: PMC12137712. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 induces significant neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in the brain’s respiratory centers, contributing to poor survival in a susceptible mouse model. Pre-treatment with the NMDAR antagonist memantine improved survival and mitigated neurological damage, highlighting its potential as a neuroprotective therapy for COVID-19, particularly in older adults. 

Engelbrecht E, Rodriguez OL, Lees W, Vanwinkle Z, Shields K, Schultze S, Gibson WS, Smith DR, Jana U, Saha S, Peres A, Yaari G, Smith ML, Watson CT. Germline polymorphism in the immunoglobulin kappa and lambda loci explain variation in the expressed light chain antibody repertoire. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2025 Jun 1:2025.05.28.656470. doi: 10.1101/2025.05.28.656470. PMID: 40501977; PMCID: PMC12154815. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that genetic variation in immunoglobulin light chain loci (IGK and IGL) shapes baseline antibody repertoires by influencing gene usage through both coding and non-coding mechanisms. By integrating genomic sequencing with antibody profiling, the work advances our understanding of how immunoglobulin polymorphisms contribute to individual differences in immune responses and therapeutic outcomes. 

Stephens KR, Donica WR, Philips P, Martin RCG, McMasters KM, Xie Z, Waits K, Xiao-Fu, Endo T, Van Berkel V, Jones T, Kong M, Egger ME, Scoggins CR. Detection of Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds as Noninvasive Biomarkers for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jun 23. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-17685-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40550959. 
Impact Statement: Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have shown promise as noninvasive biomarkers in lung cancer and other pulmonary diseases. This study evaluated the potential of VOCs as noninvasive biomarkers for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and identified a distinctive profile of elevated exhaled VOCs—particularly hexanone, acetaldehyde, and malondialdehyde (MDA)—associated with PDAC. These findings suggest that VOC analysis may offer a novel, noninvasive approach for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Dlugas H, Zhang X, Kim S. Comparative analysis of continuous similarity measures for compound identification in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Chemometr Intell Lab Syst. 2025 Aug 15;263:105417. doi: 10.1016/j.chemolab.2025.105417. Epub 2025 May 3. PMID: 40453508; PMCID: PMC12121958. 
Impact Statement: A novel entropy correlation measure, the Tsallis Entropy Correlation, was developed for metabolite identification. The accuracy-based results indicate that the weight factor transformation is essential for achieving higher identification performance in both LC-MS and GC-MS-based compound identification. 

Zierold KM, Smith MJ, Xu J, Cai L, Sears L. Distinct Features of Proton-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) When Used for Elemental Analysis of Nail Samples. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2025 May 16. doi: 10.1007/s12012-025-10011-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40377879. 
Impact Statement: This study compared Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) in measuring metal(loids) in toenails. Both analytic methods have been used to evaluate environmental exposures however it is not known how outcomes may differ based on the chosen analytic method. Results demonstrated similar median concentrations for calcium, copper, potassium, and nickel, however, there were stark differences between other elements. In many studies, scholars want to evaluate how well one measurement can reproduce another, and our paper used several elements to show the degree of reproducibility between the two analytical methods. This can be useful when scholars are determining methods to assess biomarkers in health-related studies. 

Chen JY, Sutaria SR, Xie Z, Kulkarni M, Keith RJ, Bhatnagar A, Sears CG, Lorkiewicz P, Srivastava S. Simultaneous profiling of mercapturic acids, glucuronic acids, and sulfates in human urine. Environ Int. 2025 May;199:109516. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109516. Epub 2025 May 4. PMID: 40344875; PMCID: PMC12090840. 
Impact Statement: This study advanced individual-level exposure assessment by profiling over 400 urinary phase II metabolites using a high-resolution mass spectrometry approach integrated with structural libraries and in-silico analysis. Findings revealed distinct metabolic patterns linked to environmental and endogenous sources, with associations to demographic factors such as age, sex, and tobacco use, offering insights into population-level exposure variability. 

Halder S, Reed E, Xie Z, Nantz MH, Fu XA. Analysis of a broad range of volatile organic compounds in environmental air with dual-compartment micropreconcentrators. J Chromatogr A. 2025 May 20;1756:466071. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2025.466071. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40424978. 
Impact Statement: This study presents a novel dual-compartment micropreconcentrator that enables simultaneous sampling and analysis of BTEX and aldehydes in air using a single GC-MS run. By achieving over 90% capture efficiency and low detection limits, this technology offers a significant advancement for comprehensive monitoring of hazardous air pollutants. 

Feng J, He L, Ma X, Yin X, Mueller EG, Zhou Z, Feng W, McClain CJ, Zhang X. Comparison of liver bile acid profiles in chronic alcohol feeding and NIAAA binge-on-chronic alcohol feeding mouse models. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2025 Aug 1;1262:124650. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2025.124650. Epub 2025 May 22. PMID: 40413821. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that while total bile acid (BA) levels remain stable in early-stage alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), the composition of BAs differs significantly between two widely used mouse models. These findings underscore the importance of model selection in ALD research, as distinct BA metabolic profiles may reflect divergent disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.

Zhong Y, He L, Yin X, Mazik L, Zhang X, Guo D. Stable 13C-glutamine Tracing Resolved Metabolomics for Cancer Metabolism Study. Bio Protoc. 2025 May 20;15(10):e5322. doi: 10.21769/BioProtoc.5322. PMID: 40432761; PMCID: PMC12104877. 
Impact Statement: This study presents a detailed 13C-glutamine tracing protocol combined with untargeted metabolomics to uncover glutamine-derived polar metabolites and long-chain fatty acids in human glioblastoma cells. The method enables isomer-specific lipid analysis and reveals previously unrecognized metabolic shifts following lysosome inhibition, offering new insights into cancer cell metabolism. 

Gouwens KR, Pena Calderin E, Okhiria J, Nguyen DC, Schulman-Geltzer EB, Martinez-Ondaro Y, De Silva M, Collins HE, Nong Y, Sears SM, Nystoriak MA, Hill BG. Cardiac Ketone Body Oxidation Enhances Exercise Performance. Circ Res. 2025 May 28. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.125.326414. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40433703. 
Impact Statement: This publication suggests that understanding and leveraging cardiac ketone body metabolism could enhance exercise performance in healthy individuals and improve physical activity for those who are exercise-intolerant, potentially leading to broader public health benefits. 

Mittnacht AJC, Garcia CSR, Cadwell JB, Huang J, Sofjan I, ElTahan MR, Liu H, Mukherjee C, Guarracino F, Shaw A, Motta P; International Academy of Cardiac Anaesthesiologists (IACA) Global Survey Team. Global Cardiac Anesthesia Workforce Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Observational Survey Study. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2025 Mar 4:S1053-0770(25)00187-9. doi: 10.1053/j.jvca.2025.02.042. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40318984. 
Impact Statement: A global survey of the cardiac anesthesia workforce found inconsistency in the training, job satisfaction, and daily practice of cardiac anesthesiologists. The rate of burnout was high, and many respondents would like to make work-related changes to improve work-life balance 

Ursoleo JD, Bottussi A, Erdoes G, Huang J, Monaco F. Remimazolam for anesthesia in cardiac and noncardiac surgery. A narrative literature review and synthesis. Anaesth Crit Care Pain Med. 2025 May 27:101555. doi: 10.1016/j.accpm.2025.101555. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40441485. 
Impact Statement: An overview of remimazolam potential benefits and inherent challenges in surgery, while identifying current knowledge gaps that warrant future research.

Li G, Yan H, Li W, Li A, Zhu Y, Huang J, Cang J, Fang F. Nalmefene effectively relieves thoracic epidural opioid-induced pruritus without affecting analgesia: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Thorac Dis. 2025 Apr 30;17(4):2028-2037. doi: 10.21037/jtd-24-1455. Epub 2025 Apr 23. PMID: 40400984; PMCID: PMC12090119. 
Impact Statement: A single dose of intravenous #nalmefene could relieve postoperative pruritus from epidural opioid without affecting analgesic effects. 

Ekuban FA, Gripshover TC, Ames P, Biswas K, Bolatimi OE, Abramson J, Iyer M, Luo J, Ekuban A, Hwang JY, Park JW, Banerjee M, Watson WH, Wahlang B, Bello D, Schlezinger JJ, McClain CJ, Cave MC. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure and alcohol-associated liver disease severity in a mouse chronic-binge ethanol feeding model. Toxicol Sci. 2025 May 10:kfaf066. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf066. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40347464. 
Impact Statement: This study is the first to demonstrate that exposure to the "forever chemical" PFOS worsens alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) by disrupting liver metabolism and activating pathways linked to fat accumulation, fibrosis, and liver cancer. These findings reveal a critical interaction between environmental pollution and alcohol use, underscoring the need to consider pollutants like PFOS as potential risk modifiers in liver disease progression. 

Harder JW, Ma J, Collins J, Alard P, Jala VR, Bodduluri H, Kosiewicz MM. Characterization of Sex-Based Differences in Gut Microbiota That Correlate with Suppression of Lupus in Female BWF1 Mice. Microorganisms. 2025 Apr 29;13(5):1023. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13051023. PMID: 40431196; PMCID: PMC12113952. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that the protective effect of male gut microbiota against lupus-like disease in female mice is dependent on specific bacterial populations, including a high Bacteroides/Clostridium ratio and the presence of Alistipes. These findings highlight the potential for targeted microbiota-based interventions in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus. 

Earl NO, de Klein JJM, Mehring AS. Black and White Fire Ash Alters Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Temporarily Reverses Carbon Source-Sink Status in Aquatic Mesocosms. Environ Sci Technol. 2025 May 28. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.4c10046. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40436645. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that wildfire ash can significantly alter greenhouse gas fluxes in aquatic ecosystems by changing pH and influencing both abiotic and biotic processes. The findings highlight that post-fire ash inputs may trigger substantial, but often overlooked, pulses of CO₂ and CH₄ emissions or uptake, with important implications for carbon cycling in lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. 

Singal AK, Wong RJ, Dasarathy S, Abdelmalek MF, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Limketkai BN, Petrey J, McClain CJ. ACG Clinical Guideline: Malnutrition and Nutritional Recommendations in Liver Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2025 May 1;120(5):950-972. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000003379. Epub 2025 May 2. PMID: 40314389.
Impact Statement: Malnutrition is defined as deficiency, excess, or imbalance of nutrients and is a common complication in patients with liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis and/or alcohol-associated hepatitis should be assessed for malnutrition because it adversely affects patient outcomes including mortality, as well as waitlist and posttransplant outcomes among liver transplant candidates. These guidelines present current knowledge concerning malnutrition in liver diseases and practice recommendations for the provider. 

Tu W, Gawrieh S, Nephew L, McClain C, Tang Q, Dasarathy S, Vatsalya V, Simonetto DA, Kettler C, Szabo G, Barton B, Yu Y, Kamath PS, Sanyal AJ, Nagy L, Mitchell MC, Liangpunsakul S, Shah VH, Chalasani N, Bataller R; AlcHepNet Investigators. Parental liver disease mortality is associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis. Hepatol Commun. 2025 May 23;9(6):e0666. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000666. PMID: 40408279; PMCID: PMC12106198. 
Impact Statement: It is unknown as to how parental alcohol use disorder and liver disease-related mortality influence the risk and the outcomes of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) in the children of these subjects. We analyzed data from 2 prospective observational studies of AH cases and heavy drinking controls (HDCs). We showed that parental liver disease-related mortality was associated with more than a doubled risk of AH development in the offspring after controlling for their demographic characteristics and drinking behavior. This study highlights the influences of parental death due to liver disease on AH development and mortality. Identifying patients at risk of AH through family history might help facilitate discussions on reducing alcohol consumption. 

Pena Calderin E, Zheng JJ, Boyd NL, Lynch W, Sansbury B, Spite M, Hill BG, Hellmann J. Exercise-Stimulated Resolvin Biosynthesis in the Adipose Tissue Is Abrogated by High-Fat Diet-Induced Adrenergic Deficiency. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2025 May 8. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.322234. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40336478. 
Impact Statement: These findings in mice suggest that pro-resolving lipid mediator signaling pathways in adipose tissue are stimulated by exercise and are sensitive to high-fat diet-induced changes in adrenergic signaling. More broadly, they highlight that exercise-induced enhancements in pro-resolving pathways are likely dependent on dietary context. 

Jeboda D, Shackelford BB, Chigwechokha P, Chunga BA, Ercumen A, Workman C, Hart JL, Smith T, Holm RH. Public Opinions from Malawian and Malawi Refugee Camp Residents of Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2025 May 13:tpmd240759. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.24-0759. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40359918. 
Impact Statement: This publication builds on previous Envirome research conducted across the United States, once again demonstrating public support for wastewater-based epidemiology in Malawi, Africa. This research highlights the importance of considering privacy thresholds, participant autonomy in public health surveillance tools, and cultural relevance, key factors for shaping future policy development and investment in this public health field. 

Zhao J, Hong H, Zhai J, Poudel R, Srivastava S, Stokes AC, Lorkiewicz PK, Jiang T, Robertson RM, Bhatnagar A, Hall JL, Hamburg NM, Keith RJ. Clustering analysis of volatile organic compound biomarkers with tobacco exposure and the association with cardiovascular health outcomes in an observation study cohort. Tob Induc Dis. 2025 May 16;23. doi: 10.18332/tid/200649. PMID: 40386170; PMCID: PMC12083078. 
Impact Statement: This study identified distinct patterns of volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure among users of different tobacco products, with combustible cigarette users showing the highest levels of harmful VOC metabolites. Findings suggest that evaluating exposure profiles, rather than just product type, may provide more meaningful insights into cardiovascular risk and guide tobacco regulation efforts. 

Ritzenthaler JD, Torres-Gonzalez E, Janssen-Heininger Y, Watson WH, Roman J. Role of Slc7a11 in Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury. Lung. 2025 May 26;203(1):64. doi: 10.1007/s00408-025-00818-2. PMID: 40419688. 
Impact Statement: This study investigated the role of the cystine/glutamate exchanger Slc7a11 in regulating oxidative stress during lung injury. Despite previous in vitro findings linking Slc7a11 to pro-fibrotic changes, in vivo experiments showed that altering Slc7a11 expression did not affect bleomycin-induced lung injury, suggesting its role in lung repair may be more complex or context-dependent. 

Riggs DW, Baumgartner KB, Baumgartner R, Boone S, Judd SE, Bhatnagar A. Association Between Residential Greenness and Risk of Stroke by Ecoregions: The REGARDS Study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2025 Apr 15;14(8):e037866. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.124.037866. Epub 2025 Apr 10. PMID: 40207510. 
Impact Statement: This study found that residential greenness was associated with a lower risk of stroke in certain ecological regions of the U.S., particularly the Eastern Temperate Forests. However, the association varied by region, with increased stroke risk observed in the Great Plains and Mediterranean California, highlighting the importance of ecological context in understanding the health impacts of vegetation.

Hart JL, Walker KL, Stopforth CK, Simpson A, Bhatnagar A, Keith RJ. Perceived Benefits of Nature in Diverse Populations. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Apr 4;22(4):563. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22040563. PMID: 40283788; PMCID: PMC12026635. 
Impact Statement: This study found that individuals who identified as male, belonged to a minoritized population, and/or had lower educational attainment were less likely to perceive nature as beneficial. These findings highlight the importance of equitable access to safe, welcoming green spaces and suggest that social and demographic factors may shape how people experience the benefits of nature. 

Stepanov I, Berman M, Brinkman MC, Carll A, Exil V, Hansen EG, El Hellani A, Jabba SV, Kassem NOF, Rezk-Hanna M, Talhout R, Stroup AM. Sugars in Tobacco Products: Toxicity Research and Implications for Tobacco Product Regulation. Chem Res Toxicol. 2025 Apr 15. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00550. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40233929. 
Impact Statement: This review highlights how sugars and artificial sweeteners in tobacco and nicotine products contribute to product toxicity through harmful chemical transformations during use. The findings support regulatory action, including adding these ingredients to the list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs), to better protect public health. 

Muhammad N, Hussain I, Fu XA, Ali A, Guo D, Noureen L, Subhani Q, Ahmad N, Zhu QF, Cui H, Feng YQ. A Comprehensive Review of Instrumentation and Applications in Post-Column and In-Source Derivatization for LC-MS. Mass Spectrom Rev. 2025 Mar 12. doi: 10.1002/mas.21930. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40078009. 
Impact Statement: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has become an indispensable tool for quantifying diverse compounds and elucidating molecular structures within complex mixtures. This comprehensive review highlights state-of-the-art advancements in LC-MS with a specific focus on various types of chemical and physical post-column derivatization and in-source derivatization. 

Gomes D, Zhao J, Malovichko MV, Haberzettl P, Conklin DJ, O'Toole TE. Inhalation of Concentrated Ambient PM2.5 (CAP) Promotes Inactivation of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase, Telomere Shortening, and Senescence of Multiple Cell Types in Mice. Toxicol Sci. 2025 Apr 2:kfaf045. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf045. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40172909. 
Impact Statement: While exposure to fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with cellular aging, the extent of these associations and their underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Using a mouse model, this study shows that such exposures induce telomere (DNA) shortening and cellular senescence not only in the widely studied peripheral blood cells, but also in subsets of bone marrow stem cells. Furthermore, the telomere shortening effects seems to result from impaired function of the enzyme responsible for telomere elongation. These results demonstrate the wide-ranging effects of PM2.5 exposure. 

Harris LM, Skidmore BD, Nzama N, Al Araydeh M, Kerr JC, Hall MT, Reyes-Vega A, Samanapally H, Bkhet A, Ghare S, Barve S. "Taking Charge and Being Responsible": A Qualitative Study of Meaning Making and Motivations for Preexposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Sexual Minoritized Men Engaged in Alcohol Misuse in Kentucky. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2025 May-Jun 01;36(3):298-314. doi: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000541. Epub 2025 Apr 8. PMID: 40197987. 
Impact Statement: This study highlights how gay, bisexual, and other sexual diverse men who misuse alcohol find meaning and motivation in PrEP use through identity affirmation, self-care, and agency, which support both adherence and mental well-being. Findings inform recommendations to enhance PrEP engagement by integrating motivational strategies into clinical and community-based care for individuals with harmful alcohol use. 

Noonan EJ, Weingartner LA, Combs RM, Decker HR, Cowand A, Williams S, Harris LM. Recognizing and Addressing Health Care Barriers for Transgender and Nonbinary People Living With a Chronic Illness or Disability. Qual Health Res. 2025 Apr 19:10497323251330253. doi: 10.1177/10497323251330253. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40251956. 
Impact Statement: This study highlights the compounded barriers transgender and/or nonbinary individuals with chronic illness or disability face in health care, including diagnostic overshadowing, provider skepticism, and discrimination. Drawing on participants’ lived experiences, the authors propose actionable strategies—such as provider education, structural reforms, and expanded telehealth—to promote more equitable and affirming care.

Su H, Zhong Y, He L, Geng F, Yin X, Kou Y, Chiang CY, Mo X, Fan Y, Liu Y, Wang Q, Magaki S, Cloughesy TF, Lefai E, Yong WH, Chakravarti A, Zhang X, Guo D. Targeting PGM3 abolishes SREBP-1 activation-hexosamine synthesis feedback regulation to effectively suppress brain tumor growth. Sci Adv. 2025 Apr 18;11(16):eadq0334. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adq0334. Epub 2025 Apr 18. PMID: 40249802; PMCID: PMC12007565. 
Impact Statement: Hexosamine biosynthesis fuels glioblastoma (GBM) growth by facilitating protein and lipid glycosylation. In this study, we found that inhibiting PGM3 effectively inhibited GBM growth through the SREBP-1 activation-hexosamine synthesis positive feedback and is a promising target for treating GBM. 

Salazar-González RA, Wise JTF, Doll MA, Hein DW. Metabolism and genotoxicity of 4,4'-oxydianiline is dependent on N-acetyltransferase 2 genetic polymorphism. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2025 Apr 15:104699. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2025.104699. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40246217. 
Impact Statement: We investigated 4,4’-oxydianiline (ODA) genotoxicity and oxidative stress modified by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) genetic polymorphism in yeast and DNA repair deficient (UV5) Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) expressing human NAT2*4 (rapid acetylator allele) or human NAT2*5B (slow acetylator allele) and in cryopreserved human hepatocytes from rapid, intermediate, or slow NAT2 acetylator genotypes. Our findings have important implications for precision risk assessments following exposures to ODA and azo dye precursors. 

Stephan JK, Knerr T, Wells CK, Gu Z, Johnson S, Jobe TK, Isaacs WS, Hill BG, Wysoczynski M. G-CSF-Induced Emergency Granulopoiesis Modulates Neutrophil Effector Function in Mice. Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2025 Apr 29. doi: 10.1007/s12015-025-10885-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40299198. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that neutrophils produced during emergency granulopoiesis exhibit altered functionality, including impaired ROS production and NETosis but increased cytokine expression and neutrophil elastase secretion. These changes enhance neutrophil-driven immunomodulation, leading to greater macrophage recruitment during inflammation. 

Grell R, Paul J, Gupta K, Chawla N, Deshpande R, De Marchi L, Huang J. Perioperative Point-of-Care Ultrasound Utilization in Abdominal Organ Transplantation. Part I: Preoperative and Intraoperative Care. Clin Transplant. 2025 Apr;39(4):e70153. doi: 10.1111/ctr.70153. PMID: 40245256; PMCID: PMC12005607. 
Impact Statement: In this Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA) white paper, experts in abdominal transplant anesthesia and critical care reviewed the current literature and practice behaviors to create a comprehensive review of the utilization of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in abdominal organ transplantation (AOT) and to provide evidenced-based recommendations for clinicians to utilize perioperative PoCUS to improve patient outcomes in real time. 

Kavalukas S, Jin A, Babarinde O, Lorkiewicz P, Adhikari J, Xu J, Cai L, DuPre N. Environmental Exposures to Metal Toxins as a Risk Factor for Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study. J Surg Res. 2025 Apr 24;309:269-276. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2025.03.017. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40279913. 
Impact Statement: This pilot study is the first to examine the relationship between individual-level exposure to cadmium and arsenic and colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, using biospecimens from blood and urine. While findings were not statistically significant, observed positive associations suggest that environmental metal exposure may contribute to CRC risk and warrant further investigation in larger studies. 

Singal AK, Zhang W, Shetty A, Patel A, Mohammed S, Bhandari P, Abdallah M, Vatsalya V, Leggio L, Kong M. Treatment of alcohol use disorder in alcohol-associated liver disease: A meta-analysis. Hepatol Commun. 2025 Apr 30;9(5):e0686. doi: 10.1097/HC9.0000000000000686. PMID: 40304585; PMCID: PMC12045530. 
Impact Statement: Twenty-five eligible studies, using meta-analysis, have been used to examine alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) on alcohol relapse and liver-related outcomes. We conclude that AUD treatment in patients with ALD improves abstinence and liver-related outcomes.

Ramalingam AR, Kucera C, Srivastava S, Paily R, Stephens D, Lorkiewicz P, Wilkey DW, Merchant M, Bhatnagar A, Carll AP . Acute and Persistent Cardiovascular Effects of Menthol E-Cigarettes in Mice. J Am Heart Assoc. 2025 Apr 25:e037420. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.124.037420. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40281649. 
Impact Statement: Repeated e-cigarette exposure transiently evokes arrhythmias via the beta1 adrenoceptor, consistently increases BP, changes the cardiac proteome, and persistently depresses HR and ventricular repolarization. These original research findings demonstrate biological plausibility for recent clinical associations between vaping and arrhythmogenic events, including sudden cardiac death, while also revealing that e-cigarette use may promote hypertension during use and persistently alter the heart’s electrical function even after cessation.

Sheneman KR, Cummins TD, Merchant ML, Hood JL, Uriarte SM, Lawrenz MB. Yersinia pestis Actively Inhibits the Production of Extracellular Vesicles by Human Neutrophils. J Extracell Vesicles. 2025 Apr;14(4):e70074. doi: 10.1002/jev2.70074. PMID: 40240908; PMCID: PMC12003101. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that Yersinia pestis alters the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by neutrophils, suppressing their antimicrobial and inflammatory properties. These findings highlight a novel mechanism by which Y. pestis evades the immune response, advancing our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. 

Sears CG, Buckley JP, Cecil KM, Kalkwarf HJ, Xu Y, Chen A, Yolton K, Braun JM. Prenatal and childhood phthalate mixtures and adolescent sleep health in The HOME Study. Environ Health Perspect. 2025 Apr 3. doi: 10.1289/EHP15221. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40179323. 
Impact Statement: The majority of adolescents in the US do not get adequate sleep for optimal health. There is a need to identify modifiable risk factors for poor sleep during this critical period of growth. Our research suggests that exposure to phthalates may be one of these modifiable risk factors. People are frequently exposed to mixtures of phthalates through everyday activities including use of personal care products and consumption of packaged foods. 

Madden PJ, Marina-Zárate E, Rodrigues KA, Steichen JM, Shil M, Ni K, Michaels KK, Maiorino L, Upadhyay AA, Saha S, Pradhan A, Kalyuzhiny O, Liguori A, Lopez PG, Phung I, Flynn C, Zhou A, Melo MB, Lemnios A, Phelps N, Georgeson E, Alavi N, Kubitz M, Lu D, Eskandarzadeh S, Metz A, Rodriguez OL, Shields K, Schultze S, Smith ML, Healy BS, Lim D, Lewis VR, Ben-Akiva E, Pinney W 3rd, Gregory J, Xiao S, Carnathan DG, Pai Kasturi S, Watson CT, Bosinger SE, Silvestri G, Schief WR, Irvine DJ, Crotty S. Diverse priming outcomes under conditions of very rare precursor B cells. Immunity. 2025 Apr 8;58(4):997-1014.e11. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2025.03.003. Epub 2025 Mar 31. PMID: 40168992. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that an escalating dose immunization strategy with the SMNP adjuvant is uniquely effective at priming rare BG18-like broadly neutralizing antibody precursor B cells in non-human primates. The findings highlight how vaccine dosing and adjuvant selection critically shape the immune response, with implications for HIV vaccine development. 

Lu H, Delnicki M, Griffin G, Wise JL. Current Understanding of Sex Differences in Metal-Induced Diseases. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2025 Apr 9;12(1):18. doi: 10.1007/s40572-025-00482-x. PMID: 40202678. 
Impact Statement: A better understanding of how metal-induced diseases manifest differently in males and females will allow for the development of novel biomarkers and targeted, more effective therapies. This review provides a summary of where the research is now and where it needs to go in order for us to more effectively detect and treat metal-induced diseases in males and females. 

Zelko IN, Hussain A, Malovichko MV, Wickramasinghe NS, Srivastava S. Benzene metabolites increase vascular permeability by activating heat shock proteins and Rho GTPases. Toxicol Sci. 2025 Apr 29:kfaf055. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaf055. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40300100. 
Impact Statement: This research highlights how benzene, a widespread environmental pollutant, can directly impair blood vessel function by increasing vascular permeability through specific molecular pathways. These findings deepen our understanding of how chronic benzene exposure contributes to cardiovascular disease, adding to the already well-established risks of cancer, bone marrow failure, and immune system damage, and underscore the urgent need for stricter regulation, workplace protections, and community monitoring to mitigate the significant public health risks associated with benzene exposure.