Pituitary Reproductive Regulatory Factors, Mercury Levels, and More Featured in November 2021 Toxicological Sciences

In the November 2021 issue, Toxicological Science features leading toxicology research in areas such as biomarkers, carcinogenesis, and environmental toxicology.

Change in Waiting List Registration, Liver Transplant for Alcoholic Hepatitis During COVID-19

Researchers report waiting list registrations and deceased donor liver transplants in the U.S. for alcoholic hepatitis, which can develop after a short period of alcohol misuse, increased during COVID-19, exceeding volumes forecasted by pre-COVID-19 trends, while trends for alcohol-related cirrhosis and non-alcohol-associated liver disease remained unchanged.

UCI-led study finds disparities in severe illness and lengthy hospitalizations between undocumented and Medi-Cal patients

Lithium is a common medication prescribed to patients with psychiatric disorders, namely bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. It is used as a mood stabilizer and lessens the intensity of manic episodes, with particular benefit in reducing suicidality. While highly effective, the drug requires routine blood monitoring, which can be uncomfortable, expensive, and inconvenient for patients who must travel to clinical labs for frequent blood testing.

Hepatitis A Vaccination Required for Herd Immunity in People Experiencing Homelessness or Who Use Drugs

In the U.S., hepatitis A outbreaks are repeatedly affecting people experiencing homelessness or who use drugs. A 2017-19 Kentucky outbreak primarily among these groups resulted in 501 cases, six deaths. Vaccination efforts likely averted 30 hospitalizations and $490K in costs,…

Effect of Probiotics on Incident Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients

Original Investigation September 21, 2021 Effect of Probiotics on Incident Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients A Randomized Clinical Trial   Author Affiliations Article Information JAMA. 2021;326(11):1024-1033. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.13355   visual abstract icon  Visual Abstract Key Points Question  Does the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)…

Mechanistic Effects of Resistance Exercise on Cancer-induced Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy is a hallmark of cancer cachexia, a complex multifactorial wasting disease highly associated with mortality. In recent years, we have learned a lot about the protective effects of exercise during cancer. Resistance exercise is now recognized as a…

Researchers at UC San Diego Identify the Skin’s Master Regulator

Researchers led by George Sen, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, have identified the master regulator controlling the expression of genes regulating how the epidermis attaches to the underlying…

COVID-19 Pandemic Hastens Cleveland Clinic’s Unified Well-Being Strategy

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for shaping a new future in healthcare. At the Cleveland Clinic, top priorities throughout the pandemic have been to support caregivers professionally and personally and to help them be their best for themselves, their fellow caregivers, patients, organizations, and communities.

How High Do We Go?

Inferior Mesenteric Artery Versus Superior Rectal Artery Ligation This study, which was published in the October 2021 issues of DISEASES OF THE COLON AND RECTUM, was conducted at 6 tertiary referral centers in the United States (Emory University, University of…

Taking a Break from Dieting Reduces Hunger, Increases Adherence to Diet with No Detriment to Fat or Weight Loss

A sustained energy deficit with restricted food intake and increased physical activity is accepted as a reliable means to reduce body weight and body fat. However, most individuals find maintaining adherence to these conditions difficult in the face of increasing…

What Factors Put Runners at Risk for Exertional Heat Stroke During a Marathon?

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) can develop in participants at running events. A runner with EHS overheats beyond their capacity to cool and can suffer organ damage, and even death, if not rapidly cooled. Understanding the factors that may lead to…

Protein Inhibitor May Lead to New Treatment for Low Oxygen Associated with Sleep Apnea

Article title: Lysine demethylase KDM6B regulates HIF-1α mediated systemic and cellular responses to intermittent hypoxia Authors: Jayasri Nanduri, Ning Wang, Benjamin L. Wang, Nanduri R. Prabhakar From the authors: “[The] current study demonstrates that pharmacological disruption of [Hypoxia-inducible factor]-1α activation…

Exercise May Not Offset Genetic Predisposition for Low Exercise Capacity, Impaired Insulin Sensitivity

Article title: Genetically determined exercise capacity affects systemic glucose response to insulin in rats Authors: Michael Schwarzer, Annika Molis, Christina Schenkl, Andrea Schrepper, Steven L. Britton, Lauren Gerard Koch, Torsten Doenst From the authors: “In our model of [high capacity…