April 2026-March 2027 Member Publications

Nail AN, Banerjee M, Xu M, Reynolds CH, Stýblo M, Cable PH, Wilkey DW, Merchant ML, Ferragut Cardoso AP, Thomas SD, States JC. Deficient arsenic methylation and global proteomic reprogramming in human keratinocytes during arsenic-induced skin carcinogenesis. Arch Toxicol. 2026 Jun 27. doi: 10.1007/s00204-026-04478-w. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42362746.
Impact Statement: This study found that human keratinocytes have little ability to metabolize inorganic arsenic, causing the toxic form of arsenic to accumulate and disrupt zinc finger proteins that regulate critical cellular processes. These findings identify key molecular pathways involved in arsenic-induced skin cancer and provide potential targets for future research aimed at preventing or treating arsenic-related carcinogenesis. Read full publication here.

Kucera C, Ramalingam AR, Raph SM, Paily R, Srivastava S, Lorkiewicz PK, Bhatnagar A, Nystoriak MA, Carll AP. Influence of Cooling Agents on the Arrhythmogenic and Autonomic Effects of Electronic Cigarettes in an in vivo Model. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2026 Jun;19(6):e014253. doi: 10.1161/CIRCEP.125.014253. Epub 2026 Jun 15. PMID: 42290371; PMCID: PMC13271165.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that common e-cigarette cooling agents, particularly the synthetic additives WS-3 and WS-23, can increase autonomic imbalance and promote cardiac arrhythmias beyond the effects of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes alone. These findings identify non-nicotine flavor additives as a previously underrecognized cardiovascular risk factor and provide important evidence to inform e-cigarette regulation, product formulation, and public health recommendations. Read full publication here.

Healy HG, Hoar C, Ahmed W, Bibby K, Bivins A, Bowes DA, Darling A, DuPré NC, Gonzalez R, Guo R, Grills GS, Guerrini CJ, Holm RH, Kavalukas SL, Lee DJ, McGuire AL, Mansfeldt C, Maresso A, Mason CE, Rebbeck TR, Smith T, Solo-Gabriele HM. Wastewater Surveillance to Inform Cancer Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Interventions. Environ Sci Technol. 2026 Jun 16;60(23):16390-16401. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6c01391. Epub 2026 Jun 4. PMID: 42239995.
Impact Statement: Wastewater surveillance has the potential to transform cancer surveillance by providing earlier, population-level insights into carcinogen exposures, cancer-related biomarkers, and emerging cancer risks, particularly in communities with limited access to traditional screening. Integrating wastewater monitoring into existing public health infrastructure could improve the timeliness, equity, and effectiveness of cancer prevention, screening, and resource allocation while advancing environmental health surveillance. Read full publication here.

Mwenda JS, Harris LM, Skidmore BD, Nzama N, Sedaghatshoar S, Kerr JC, Hall MT, Reyes-Vega A, Raghuram A, Ghare S, Barve S. Navigating PrEP alongside high-risk drinking: Multilevel barriers, care disruption, and intervention pathways in Kentucky. J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2026 Jun 17;190:210054. doi: 10.1016/j.josat.2026.210054. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42309372.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that unhealthy alcohol use disrupts PrEP adherence through interconnected individual, clinical, community, and structural barriers, underscoring that sustained HIV prevention requires more than individual behavior change. By identifying opportunities for harm-reduction strategies, flexible care models, and policy reforms, these findings provide a roadmap for improving PrEP engagement and reducing HIV disparities among populations at increased risk. Read full publication here.

Fulghum KL, Collins HE, Hill BG. Dietary branched-chain amino acids modify the cardiac growth response to exercise in male mice. J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2026 Jun 5;217:73-75. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2026.06.003. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42250624.
Impact Statement: Dietary branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake influences the heart’s structural adaptation to exercise, with reduced BCAA intake preventing exercise-induced cardiac growth in male mice despite similar improvements in exercise performance. These findings highlight dietary BCAAs as a modifiable regulator of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling and provide a foundation for developing personalized nutrition strategies that optimize cardiovascular adaptation while minimizing potential long-term cardiac risk. Read full publication here.

Hill BG. The Ugly Side of NO: Erythrocyte-Derived NO and Atherosclerosis. Circ Res. 2026 Jun 19;139(1):e328845. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.126.328845. Epub 2026 Jun 18. PMID: 42313905; PMCID: PMC13286045. 
Impact Statement: This editorial highlights emerging evidence that erythrocyte-derived nitric oxide can promote atherosclerosis by reprogramming vascular smooth muscle cells to accumulate lipids, challenging the traditional view of nitric oxide as uniformly protective in cardiovascular health. By identifying the erythrocyte Arg1–NO pathway as a potential regulator of plaque progression, it underscores a promising new avenue for understanding atherosclerosis and developing more targeted therapies. Read full publication here.

Dong T, Mao W, Baker C, Han B, Soloniuk LJ, Stier G, Novak DA, Pasca I, Huang J. Vasopressor Selection and Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults: A Propensity-Matched Database Analysis. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2026 Jun 26:10892532261465066. doi: 10.1177/10892532261465066. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42359892. 
Impact Statement: This study provides evidence that perioperative vasopressor selection may influence postoperative delirium risk in older adults, with phenylephrine showing a modestly higher association with delirium compared with ephedrine, while no significant differences were observed between norepinephrine and the other agents. These findings support further investigation into individualized vasopressor strategies to optimize perioperative brain health and improve neurocognitive outcomes in an aging surgical population. Read full publication here.

Ghosh S, Vanwinkle ZM, Bodduluri SR, Juin SK, Kadari M, Singh A, Dryden GW, Lawrenz MB, Kanneganti TD, Rai SN, Good M, Kumar P, Haribabu B, Jala VR. Urolithin A activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor-NLRP6-mediated pathways in intestinal epithelial cells to modulate mucosal immunity and strengthen gut barrier integrity. Nat Commun. 2026 Jun 23;17(1):5411. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-73760-3. PMID: 42336837; PMCID: PMC13291259.
Impact Statement: This studyuncovered how the gut microbiome-derived compound urolithin A activates a protective intestinal pathway that strengthens the gut barrier, enhances tissue repair and supports immune balance in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These findings reveal a potential strategy for developing targeted IBD therapies that restore protective functions in the intestine without broadly suppressing the immune system. Read full publication here.

Adhikari J, Kavalukas S, Taylor KC, Guinn B, Zhang CH, DuPre N. Residential Fast-Food Exposures, Colorectal Cancer-Specific, and All-Cause Mortality: A Retrospective Study of CRC Cases from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. Nutr Cancer. 2026 Jun 15:1-13. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2026.2685361. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42295112.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that neighborhood food environments may influence survival outcomes among colorectal cancer patients, with greater residential exposure to fast-food outlets associated with modestly higher all-cause mortality rates. The findings highlight the importance of addressing environmental determinants of health, including access to healthier food options, as part of comprehensive strategies to improve cancer survivorship. Read full publication here.

Levinson CA, Penwell T, Sandoval-Araujo LE, Johnson M, Grady A, Stancil J, Kong M. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Self-Guided Digital Written Imaginal Exposure Therapy for Eating Disorders in Patients Recently Discharged From Higher Level Specialty Eating Disorder Care. Int J Eat Disord. 2026 Jun 11. doi: 10.1002/eat.70147. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42276768. 
Impact Statement: This randomized controlled trial provides evidence that digital imaginal exposure therapy can reduce fear of weight gain, a key factor that maintains eating disorder symptoms, following intensive treatment. The findings highlight a promising, accessible intervention that may improve eating disorder recovery by targeting avoidance, food-related fears, and related psychological distress. Read full publication here.

Li X, Kong M, Smith MR, Liang Y, Teeny S, Ly VT, Go YM, Samala N, Jones DP, Luo J, Watson WH, McClain CJ, Vatsalya V, Szabo G, Dasarathy S, Mitchell M, Nagy L, Barton B, Cave MC, Jiang H. Sparse CCA-Based Mediation Analysis with High-Dimensional Exposures and Mediators. Bioinformatics. 2026 Jun 30:btag474. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btag474. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42378448.
Impact Statement: This study introduces a novel mediation analysis framework that addresses the challenge of identifying biological pathways linking complex environmental exposures to health outcomes when both exposures and mediators are high-dimensional. By improving the detection of relevant exposure–metabolite relationships, this method provides a powerful tool for environmental health researchers seeking to uncover mechanisms of disease risk and inform targeted prevention strategies. Read full publication here.

Troost JP, Kshirsagar AV, Smoyer WE, Klein J, Merchant ML, Helmuth M, Mariani LH, Kretzler M, Smith AR, Lacey F, Engel LS, Trachtman H, O'Lenick CR. Air pollution and disease progression among patients with primary glomerular disease: an expanded study with extended follow-up. Environ Health. 2026 Jun 5. doi: 10.1186/s12940-026-01312-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42243965. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that exposure to multiple air pollutants, including PM2.5, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide, and organic matter components of particulate matter, is associated with increased risk of kidney disease progression among patients with primary glomerular disorders. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating comprehensive air quality assessments and environmental risk factors into strategies to better understand, prevent, and manage chronic kidney disease progression. Read full publication here.

Ventura-Cots M, Clemente A, Alvarado-Tapias E, Ravi S, Cuyas B, Tanguy M, Poca M, Jager M, Fernández-Carrillo C, Arteel GE, Villagrasa A, Aguilar-Amorós A, Argemi J, Abraldes JG, Bosques F, Brown RS Jr, Garcia-Taso G, Genesca J, Schanbl B, Mathurin P, Louvet A, Lucey MR, Shawcross DL, Verna E, Gawrieh S, Dasarathy S, Tu W, Kamath PS, Chalasani NP, McClain CJ, Szabo G, Tang Q, Barton B, Nagy LE, Shah VH, Sanyal AJ, Mitchell MC, Singal AK, Soriano G, Rautou PE, Bataller R. Mean Arterial Pressure at Admission Predicts 28-day Mortality in Patients with Severe Alcohol-associated Hepatitis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2026 Jun 3. doi: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000001053. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42235929. 
Impact Statement: This study identifies low mean arterial pressure as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis, providing a simple and clinically accessible marker for early risk stratification. The findings highlight the importance of hemodynamic stability in this high-risk population and suggest that interventions to improve perfusion may represent a potential strategy to improve outcomes. Read full publication here.

O'Toole TE, Wingard CJ, Bariess SK, Crandell CE, Amraotkar AR, Gao H, Bhatnagar A. Effects of carnosine supplementation on physical endurance: a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2026 Dec 31;23(1):2679716. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2679716. Epub 2026 Jun 17. PMID: 42308284; PMCID: PMC13276806.
Impact Statement: This randomized placebo-controlled trial provides important evidence that carnosine supplementation may selectively improve aspects of muscular and cardiorespiratory endurance, particularly in males and specific age groups, while having limited effects on overall physical performance. These findings help clarify the potential role of carnosine as an ergogenic supplement and highlight the need for targeted approaches to optimize benefits for individuals engaging in repetitive, high-intensity physical activity. Read full publication here.

Dusterhoff A, Anderson LB, Holm RH, Reece E, Stone E, Smith T. Community-level wastewater influenza concentrations and school attendance in Jefferson County, Kentucky (2022-2025). J Water Health. 2026 Jun;24(6):773-783. doi: 10.2166/wh.2026.223. Epub 2026 May 18. PMID: 42378415. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology combined with machine learning to provide early warnings of seasonal influenza activity and its impact on school attendance. By linking community wastewater influenza concentrations with school-level attendance data, the research offers a promising framework for helping school systems anticipate infectious disease trends and implement timely public health interventions. Read full publication here.

Gutta MS, Zhuhadar LP, Williamson MG, Bhatia B, Labreveux M, Elmaghraby AS, McGinley WM, Webb C, Atre SV, Sunkara M, Holm RH, Smith T. Optimizing place-based data infrastructure siting: balancing energy, environment, and communities. ACS ES T Water. 2026 Feb 13;6(2):554-557. doi: 10.1021/acsestwater.5c01503. Epub 2026 Jan 26. PMID: 42281590; PMCID: PMC13251721. 
Impact Statement: This publication highlights the need for a data-driven approach to hyperscale data center siting that integrates environmental impacts, community health considerations, and local priorities to support more sustainable and equitable development. By proposing tools that combine technical, environmental, and social factors, this work provides a framework to improve community engagement, reduce conflicts, and guide responsible data center expansion. Read full publication here.

Peiper NC, Zibbell JE, LaJoie AS, Wahlang B, Krishnasamy SS, Levinson CA. Use and Misuse of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Among People With Eating Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry. 2026 Jun 24:e261716. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2026.1716. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42340738; PMCID: PMC13294816.
Impact Statement: This study highlights the emerging concern that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may be used or misused by individuals with eating disorders to promote rapid weight loss and reinforce disordered eating behaviors. Findings underscore the need for increased clinical awareness, patient screening, and pharmacovigilance as access to commercial, compounded, and unregulated GLP-1 RA products continues to expand. Read full publication here.

Bolatimi OE, Hua Y, Phillips GJ, Ekuban A, Brizendine-Ames P, Watson WH, Banerjee M, Ekuban FA, Wahlang B. Subchronic low dose dioxin exposure disrupts hepatic and metabolic homeostasis in a sex- and diet-dependent manner. Curr Res Toxicol. 2026 Jun 18;11:100311. doi: 10.1016/j.crtox.2026.100311. PMID: 42381713; PMCID: PMC13316181. 
Impact Statement: Exposure to dioxin and dioxin-like pollutant mixtures can drive sex-specific liver and metabolic effects, with low-dose exposures promoting fatty liver injury in females and glucose regulation disturbances in males. These findings highlight the importance of considering biological sex and dietary context when assessing the health risks of persistent organic pollutants and developing strategies to prevent environmentally associated liver disease. Read full publication here.

Yuan J, Yang H, Zhang S, Yan Z, Li J, Mo Y, Zhang Q, Huang Z. 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Ameliorates Nickel Nanoparticle-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Modulating the FFAR1/NF-kB Pathway. Chem Res Toxicol. 2026 Jun 18. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.6c00048. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42315976.
Impact Statement: Exposure to nickel nanoparticles (Nano-Ni) is increasingly recognized as a potential occupational and environmental health concern, yet the metabolic mechanisms driving Nano-Ni-induced lung fibrosis remain poorly understood. This study identifies disruption of arachidonic acid metabolism and reduced 20-HETE signaling through the FFAR1/NF-κB pathway as key contributors to Nano-Ni-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, providing new insights into how nanomaterial exposure may promote pulmonary fibrosis and highlighting potential targets for prevention and intervention. Read full publication here.

Telang S, Clem BF, Miret AAH, Price L, Dougherty SM, Schmitz A, Yin X, Ma X, Zhang X, Chesney J, Imbert-Fernandez Y. Targeting PFKFB3 to enhance CDK4/6 inhibitor response in ER+ breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2026 Jun 25. doi: 10.1186/s13058-026-02336-2. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42343408.
Impact Statement: This study reveals that CDK4/6 inhibitors reshape glucose metabolism in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by increasing glycolytic activity while restricting downstream biosynthetic pathways, uncovering a previously unrecognized metabolic adaptation during treatment-induced cell cycle arrest. By demonstrating that targeting the glycolytic regulator PFKFB3 enhances CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy in preclinical models, this work identifies a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome metabolic resistance and improve outcomes for patients with ER⁺ breast cancer. Read full publication here.

Anita P. Barbee, Andrew Winters, Michelle I. Graef, Lisa Purdy, Becky F. Antle, Michael R. Cunningham, Jenny Taylor, Katy Henry, Penny Putnam-Collins, A study of fidelity to and implementation of a multi-level workforce intervention: Building resilience and supervisor support in public child welfare agencies, Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 184, 2026,108799, ISSN 0190-7409, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.108799. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that multi-level workforce interventions focused on resilience-building and supportive supervision can be implemented with high fidelity in child welfare settings. Findings provide evidence that strengthening supervisory practices and workforce resilience may improve staff well-being and capacity, offering a promising strategy to address workforce challenges and ultimately support better outcomes for children and families. Read full publication. 

Bickel S, Bhatnagar A, Smith T, Yeager R, Lorkiewicz P, Xie Z, Eid N, O'Hagan A, Sullivan JE, Watson S, Morton R. A prospective observational pilot study assessing childhood asthma control in areas with increased urban environmental greenery. BMC Pulm Med. 2026 May 28. doi: 10.1186/s12890-026-04367-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42204487. 
Impact Statement: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of prospectively evaluating the effects of environmental greening on pediatric asthma using clinical outcomes, biomarkers, and exposure measures. Findings suggest that children living in areas undergoing systematic greening may experience improved asthma-related quality of life and preserved lung function, supporting larger, adequately powered studies to evaluate greening as a potential community-level intervention for pediatric respiratory health. Read full publication. 

Williams AR, Meaza I, Lu H, Wise JTF, Diven SS, Toyoda JH, Kouokam JC, Wise JP Sr. Particulate Hexavalent Chromium Inhibits RAD51 Paralogs Necessary for RAD51 Filament Formation and Stabilization During Homologous Recombination Repair. Occup Health (Auckl). 2026 Mar;1(1):13. doi: 10.3390/occuphealth1010013. Epub 2026 Mar 23. PMID: 42169974; PMCID: PMC13189539.
Impact Statement: This study identifies broad suppression of RAD51 paralogs as a previously unrecognized mechanism by which hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] disrupts homologous recombination repair in human lung cells. The findings suggest that RAD51D may serve as an early and critical target of Cr(VI)-induced genomic instability, providing new mechanistic insight into chromium-associated lung carcinogenesis and potential biomarkers of exposure-related DNA repair dysfunction. Read full publication. 

Nguyen DC, Stephan JK, Luque LG, Brainard RE, Brittian KR, Wells CK, Teer MS, Martinez-Ondaro Y, Gouwens KR, Little DT, Nong Y, Boyd NL, Kumar A, Jones SP, Singhal R, Hellmann J, Wysoczynski M, Hill BG. TAK1 drives inflammatory fibroblast acquisition and shapes myocardial infarction responses in male mice. Nat Commun. 2026 May 26. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-73646-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42191705.
Impact Statement: This work identifies TAK1 as a central regulator of inflammatory cardiac fibroblast behavior, defining a key mechanism by which fibroblasts coordinate immune responses after cardiac injury. By demonstrating that fibroblast-specific TAK1 signaling drives immune cell recruitment and adverse remodeling after myocardial infarction, these findings reveal a potential therapeutic target for improving cardiac repair and preserving heart function. Read full publication. 

Qin X, Chen X, Yao L, Wang B, Niu H, Liang Z, Zhao Z, Wang J, Huang J, Guo X, Li X. Esketamine Preserves Network Connectivity and Promotes Recovery in Consciousness Disorders. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2026 May;32(5):e70890. doi: 10.1002/cns.70890. PMID: 42126345; PMCID: PMC13170474. 
Impact Statement: This study provides evidence that anesthetic selection may influence long-term neurological recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness, identifying esketamine as a potential strategy for preserving neural complexity and functional brain connectivity during intervention. By linking intraoperative neurophysiological preservation with improved 3-month consciousness outcomes, these findings support consideration of esketamine as a neuroprotective anesthetic approach in this highly vulnerable population. Read full publication.

Rens NE, Smischney NJ, Huang J, Ma H, Saffary R, Arekapudi S, Pearl RG; American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Innovation. How to Innovate as an Anesthesiologist: Guidance From the American Society of Anesthesiologists Committee on Innovation. Anesth Analg. 2026 May 18. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000008075. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42148767. 
Impact Statement: Contemporary barriers to innovation in anesthesiology necessitate structured approaches that can translate frontline clinical insights into practical, scalable technologies. Applying the Biodesign framework to perioperative medicine provides anesthesiologists with a roadmap for identifying unmet needs and accelerating development of solutions that sustain advances in patient safety and quality of care. Read full publication. 

Dibra D, Jala VR. Intermittent Fasting: A Path to Reducing Obesity-Driven Mitochondrial and Gut Barrier Dysfunction to Improve Gut-Brain Axis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2026 May 11:101809. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2026.101809. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42119920. 
Impact Statement: This review highlights intermittent fasting as a promising, scalable intervention that extends beyond weight reduction to improve colonic health and gut–brain axis function through microbiota-dependent mechanisms. By integrating emerging evidence linking obesity, oxidative stress, epithelial barrier dysfunction, microbial metabolites, and ferroptosis, this work identifies mechanistic pathways and therapeutic targets that may inform future strategies for preventing metabolic and neurogastrointestinal disease. Read full publication.

Sami AS, Mozes G, Jania CM, Maldonado-Rosado E, Hepperla AJ, Ghetie N, Puri V, Bolzan L, Yamaguchi Y, Frazer LC, Mackay S, Jala V, Akopyants NS, Good M. Urolithin A attenuates inflammation and enhances barrier integrity in an experimental NEC-in-a-Dish model. Pediatr Res. 2026 May 27. doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-05124-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42204364.
Impact Statement: This study identifies the microbiota-derived metabolite Urolithin A as a promising therapeutic candidate that reduces inflammation and strengthens epithelial barrier integrity in a human neonatal NEC-in-a-Dish model. By demonstrating modulation of key inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in neonatal intestinal tissue, these findings provide mechanistic insight and support the development of dietary-based prevention strategies for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Read full publication.

Steele ER, Nunn D, Malicote D, Gripshover TC, Treves RS, Butzke-Souza N, Frimodig J, Jacobs J, Day LZ, Morgan TR, Asghar A, Stolz A, Gawrieh S, Tu W, Liangpunsakul S, Dasarathy S, Bataller R, Szabo G, Barton B, Shah VH, Sanyal AJ, Mitchell M, Vatsalya V, McClain CJ, Hardesty JE, Singal AK. SIRPa cleavage is associated with inflammatory response, corticosteroid non-response, and worse prognosis in clinical and pre-clinical models of alcohol-associated hepatitis. Am J Pathol. 2026 May 11:S0002-9440(26)00138-0. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2026.04.016. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42119811.
Impact Statement: This study identifies plasma SIRPα as a promising predictive biomarker for corticosteroid responsiveness and clinical outcomes in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, addressing a major unmet need in patient stratification at hospitalization. Mechanistically, the findings reveal that SIRPα cleavage promotes a hyper-inflammatory state through ADAM10-mediated pathways, providing new insight into disease pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets beyond corticosteroid treatment. Read full publication.

Lorkiewicz P, Chen J, Hoetker D, Talley D, Anderson LB, Dusterhoff A, Holm RH, Smith T, Srivastava S. A unified liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric approach combining targeted and untargeted analyses for community exposure profiling in wastewater. Environ Int. 2026 May 8;212:110293. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110293. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42119251. 
Impact Statement: This study expands wastewater-based epidemiology beyond narrow target panels by integrating untargeted exposomic discovery with targeted biomarker quantification, enabling broader detection of community-level environmental chemical exposures. The findings show that neighborhood-scale wastewater monitoring can reveal spatial heterogeneity in exposure patterns that may be obscured at centralized treatment scales, supporting more precise population-level exposure surveillance. Read full publication. 

Wade K, Anderson LB, Medley EM, Smith T. Plain Language Summarization of Environmental Health Research Using Generative AI: Community-Engaged Qualitative Study. J Med Internet Res. 2026 May 13;28:e87118. doi: 10.2196/87118. PMID: 42126147; PMCID: PMC13216757.
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that community-engaged prompt design can substantially improve the clarity, structure, and contextual relevance of AI-generated plain language summaries in environmental health research. By incorporating stakeholder-defined preferences—including readability level, narrative structure, and explicit environmental justice framing—it provides a replicable framework for aligning generative AI outputs with the communication needs of affected communities. Read full publication.

Tomlinson CA, Abell T, Bridges A, Antle B, Brown SM. Associations Between Patterns of Sleep Disturbances and Mental Health Among Child Welfare-Involved Adolescents. Children (Basel). 2026 Mar 24;13(4):441. doi: 10.3390/children13040441. PMID: 42073019.  
Impact Statement: This study reveals that distinct patterns of sleep disturbances—rather than overall sleep quality alone—are strongly linked to differences in mental health outcomes among adolescents involved in the child welfare system. Identifying these subgroups can help target interventions more effectively, improving support for youth at greatest risk of persistent mental health challenges. Read the full publication.

Earl SR, Ward RG, Klotz RE, Abolins-Abols M, Lackey ACR. Temperature variation and average temperature differ in their effects on body size and corticosterone across development in larval salamanders. J Therm Biol. 2026 Apr 14;139:104463. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104463. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41996902. 
Impact Statement: Even moderate shifts in temperature averages and variability can alter growth and stress hormone levels in larval spotted salamanders, demonstrating that amphibian development is highly sensitive to increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. These findings highlight the potential for climate-driven temperature changes to disrupt amphibian populations by influencing both physical development and physiological stress across critical life stages.  Read the full publication.

Cai L, Holm RH, Biddle DJ, Zhang CH, Talley D, Smith T, States JC. Wastewater-based surveillance for community exposome surveillance, Louisville, Kentucky. Discov Water. 2026;6(1):57. doi: 10.1007/s43832-026-00376-5. Epub 2026 Mar 12. PMID: 42022032; PMCID: PMC13095899. 
Impact Statement: This work showed the feasibility of using wastewater surveillance in defined geographic area for community exposome monitoring. We identified an area with high levels of lead and widespread presence of barium in the wastewater. The barium suggests widespread contamination with coal ash from the power plants on the west side of town. The approach is easily scalable for other environmental contaminants. Read the full publication.

Wang X, Chen SY. Molecular Networks of Redox Dysregulation in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. Antioxidants (Basel). 2026 Apr 10;15(4):470. doi: 10.3390/antiox15040470. PMID: 42072111. 
Impact Statement: This review highlights current advances in understanding the molecular networks that drive redox imbalance in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It also explores emerging antioxidant and dietary strategies with promising therapeutic potential. By integrating these underlying mechanisms, the article provides important insight into the pathogenesis of FASD and offers new opportunities for prevention and treatment. Read the full publication.

Hendriks MG, Pauwels CGGM, Conklin DJ, Lorkiewicz P, Boots AW, Talhout R, Winkens B, Opperhuizen A, van Schooten FJ, Remels AHV. Effect of Cigarette Type and Smoking Behavior on Urinary Metabolite Levels of Tobacco-Associated Toxicants. Chem Res Toxicol. 2026 Apr 20;39(4):584-595. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5c00480. Epub 2026 Apr 1. PMID: 41921978; PMCID: PMC13100950. 
Impact Statement: Filter ventilation in cigarettes does not reduce toxicant exposure, as smokers adjust their puffing behavior in ways that maintain similar intake of harmful chemicals. These findings challenge the perceived safety of “low tar” cigarettes and underscore the need for regulatory strategies that address product design features that can mislead consumers and sustain health risks. Read the full publication.

Vielee ST, Meaza I, Buchanan WJ, Roof SH, Lu H, Diven SS, Guo L, Easley J, Kouokam JC, Wise JL, Brownell AR, Wise JP Sr, Wise JP Jr. Hexavalent Chromium Oropharyngeal Aspiration Induced Behavior Effects and Essential Metal Dyshomeostasis in Young Hartley Guinea Pigs. Appl Sci (Basel). 2026 Jan;16(1):59. doi: 10.3390/app16010059. Epub 2025 Dec 20. PMID: 42023055; PMCID: PMC13099238. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that chronic exposure to occupationally relevant levels of hexavalent chromium can lead to measurable behavioral and neurochemical changes, providing stronger evidence for its neurotoxic effects. By using a vitamin C–dependent animal model more comparable to humans, the findings improve the relevance of experimental data for assessing neurological risks in exposed workers. Read the full publication.

Lu H, Meaza I, Wise RM, Wise JTF, Diven SS, Croom-Pérez TJ, Toyoda JH, Wise JP Sr. A Survey of DNA Damage in American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Florida. Environ Mol Mutagen. 2026 Mar;67(3):e70047. doi: 10.1002/em.70047. PMID: 42033008; PMCID: PMC13109689. 
Impact Statement: Using a One Environmental Health approach, this study demonstrates that American alligators serve as powerful sentinel species for detecting environmental toxicant exposure, revealing significantly elevated DNA damage in populations from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These findings highlight location-specific and age-related vulnerability to heavy metal pollution, underscoring potential risks to ecosystem integrity and human health while reinforcing the value of wildlife-based monitoring for environmental protection. Read the full publication.

Piell KM, Vallarta A, Wilt AE, Avila-Valdes BL, Sumlut MH, Goli N, Petri BJ, He L, Zhang X, Clem BF, Klinge CM. Regulation of PSAT1 and PHGDH by m6A in endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis. 2026 Apr 15:168266. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2026.168266. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41997307. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that m6A regulation differentially controls key metabolic genes in endocrine therapy–resistant breast cancer, showing that reducing METTL3 expression versus inhibiting its activity produces opposing effects on serine synthesis pathway activation. By identifying an indirect, miRNA-mediated mechanism linking m6A signaling to tumor metabolism, these findings highlight potential targets for overcoming therapy resistance. Read the full publication.

Monreal G, Koenig SC, Kelley MS, Crane JG, Lytle IR, Huang J, Slaughter MS, White DG, Tamez D, Kelley JF. Feasibility Testing of the 2nd Generation Inspired Therapeutics NeoMate System for Paracorporeal Support of Neonates and Infants in Heart Failure. Artif Organs. 2026 Apr 28. doi: 10.1111/aor.70155. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42049685. 
Impact Statement: The next-generation NeoMate mechanical circulatory support system demonstrates strong hydrodynamic performance and low blood trauma across computational, benchtop, and animal models, exceeding key design targets for flow and pressure. Its compact, low-cost, and reusable design advances the feasibility of providing effective mechanical circulatory support for neonates and infants with heart failure, addressing a critical unmet need in pediatric care. Read the full publication.

Huntington-Moskos L, Bimbi O, Cramer E, Eldeirawi K, Nyenhuis SM, Krueger K, Polivka B. Acceptability and usability of a brief video report-back to share individualized residential indoor air quality data. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2026 Apr 29. doi: 10.1038/s41370-026-00908-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42056445. 
Impact Statement: A brief, personalized video report-back of indoor air quality data was highly usable and acceptable among adults with uncontrolled asthma, with most participants reporting the information as useful and actionable. These findings support video-based report-back as an effective strategy to promote participant understanding and encourage behavior change in environmental health research. Read the full publication.

Jin S, Singhal R, Luo J, Higgins YH, Cooper KN, Terekhova M, Carey KA, Duff AF, Artyomov MN, Jala VR, Idol RA, Bailey MT, Dinauer MC, Lamont RJ, Bagaitkar J. The Nox2 NADPH oxidase regulates neutrophilic inflammation in the oral cavity. Mucosal Immunol. 2026 Apr 8:S1933-0219(26)00039-5. doi: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2026.04.002. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41962901. 
Impact Statement: This study reveals that loss of Nox2 drives severe oral inflammation not through impaired antimicrobial defense, but via intrinsic dysregulation of neutrophil inflammatory responses linked to reduced Nrf2 activity. These findings identify Nrf2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy to restore immune balance and prevent tissue damage in chronic granulomatous disease and related inflammatory conditions. Read the full publication.

Kahloon L, Ishteiwy R, Gupta T, Albert C, Crawford D, Liu Z, Kong M, Dunlap N, Cash E, Townsend M. Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma in the Era of Immunotherapy: A National Cancer Database Review. Head Neck. 2026 Apr 8. doi: 10.1002/hed.70270. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41948797. 
Impact Statement: This large national analysis demonstrates that surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for head and neck mucosal melanoma, with significantly improved survival when incorporated into care. The findings further highlight the added benefit of immunotherapy in multimodal regimens, underscoring the need for standardized treatment strategies and prospective studies to optimize sequencing and outcomes in this aggressive disease. Read the full publication.

Xu Q, Yan X, Zheng J, Kong M. Two equivalent formulations of conditional power and predictive probability of success in interim monitoring. Contemp Clin Trials. 2026 Apr 23;165:108310. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2026.108310. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42034266. 
Impact Statement: This study demonstrates that traditional and post-interim-data-based formulations of conditional power and predictive probability of success yield equivalent results under a normal model with aligned priors, resolving ambiguity between commonly used approaches in clinical trial monitoring. By providing practical guidance on effect size specification, prior selection, and interpretation, the work strengthens the reliability and transparency of interim decision-making in adaptive clinical trial design. Read the full publication.

Habil MR, Stephens MA, Cass AA, Mittlestat EM, Kwon D, Ellison A, Kouokam JC, Hein DW. Impact of N-Acetylation on DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress Responses in Mammalian Cells and Human Hepatocytes Treated with Hydralazine. Biomolecules. 2026 Apr 10;16(4):562. doi: 10.3390/biom16040562. PMID: 42072683. 
Impact Statement: Hydralazine induces a concentration-dependent DNA damage response in human hepatocytes and metabolically engineered cell models, with enhanced effects driven by CYP1A2-mediated N-hydroxylation and modulated by NAT2 genetic variation. These findings highlight a gene–environment interaction that may influence individual susceptibility to hydralazine-associated genotoxicity, informing safer use in pregnancy and precision medicine approaches. Read the full publication.

Shakib SH, Little BB, Goldsby M, Karimi SM, Siddique F, McKinney WP. Risk factors for mechanical ventilation and mortality among hospitalized Medicaid patients with COVID-19 in Kentucky, 2020-2021. Sci Rep. 2026 May 1. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-51132-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42067570.  
Impact Statement: Among 28,128 hospitalized Kentucky Medicaid adults with COVID-19, nearly one in five required mechanical ventilation and 8.4% died, with significantly higher risk observed among adults aged 45–64, men, rural residents, and those with pulmonary, renal, and cardiac comorbidities. These findings identify priority populations for targeted primary care and risk mitigation strategies, offering actionable insights to reduce severe outcomes and strengthen preparedness for future public health emergencies. Read the full publication.

Ford EE, Smith ML. B cells gone broad: A deep dive into SARS-CoV-2 antibody breadth. Sci Immunol. 2026 May;11(119):eaei2832. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aei2832. Epub 2026 May 1. PMID: 42066060. 
Impact Statement: This paper provides an overview of a new study, published in Science Immunology, providing one of the most comprehensive single-cell maps linking B cell subsets, receptor genetics, and antibody breadth, revealing that vaccination preferentially induces IgG1+ memory B cells and IGHV gene usage patterns associated with broad protection against viral variants. By introducing a scalable multiplexed antigen platform, it establishes a powerful framework for rational vaccine design aimed at eliciting broadly protective antibodies against rapidly evolving pathogens. Read the full publication.

Yeager R, Tuholske C, Browning MHEM, Mattingly C, Olmsted S, Ossola A, Locke DH. Association Between Observed Climate Change and Cardiovascular Disease in the United States. Geohealth. 2026 Apr 13;10(4):e2025GH001588. doi: 10.1029/2025GH001588. PMID: 41982799; PMCID: PMC13071862. 
Impact Statement: Our findings support the hypothesis that the impacts of climate change on human health are much larger than previously recognized. As such, the potentially large, costly, and irreversible impacts of climate change on planetary health should be weighed carefully. Read the full publication.