October 2025 Member Publications

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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. 
  9. 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. 
  10. 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. 
  11. 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. 
  12. 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.
  13. 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. 
  14. 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. 
  15. 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.
  16. 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. 
  17. 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.
  18. 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. 
  19. 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. 
  20. 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. 
  21. 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. 
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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. 
  25. Wise RM, Jiang T, Meaza I, Feng C, Wise JP Sr, Liu KJ, Zhou X. Trivalent chromium interacts directly with acetylated lysine. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2025 Oct 18;92:127782. doi: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127782. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41129889.
    Impact Statement: This study provides new mechanistic insight into hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) toxicity by demonstrating that its reduced form, Cr(III), directly binds to acetylated lysine residues on proteins, implicating protein acetylation as a key mediator of Cr-induced damage. These findings advance understanding of Cr(VI) systemic toxicity and carcinogenicity, offering a molecular basis for future strategies to mitigate its harmful effects.