MicroRNA signatures of VO peak in older adult participants of the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging.

Background: Peak oxygen consumption during exercise (VO peak), is a direct measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), a key indicator of physical function and overall health. However, the molecular changes that underpin VO peak variation are not clear. Our objective is to understand the miRNA signatures that relate to VO peak variation, which could provide insights to novel mechanisms that contribute to low VO peak.

Design of SARS-CoV-2 RBD Immunogens to Focus Immune Responses Towards Conserved Coronavirus Epitopes.

SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, with new variants emerging that evade pre-existing immunity and limit the efficacy of existing vaccines. One approach towards developing superior, variant-proof vaccines is to engineer immunogens that preferentially elicit antibodies with broad cross-reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by targeting conserved epitopes on spike. The inner and outer faces of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) are two such conserved regions targeted by antibodies that recognize diverse human and animal coronaviruses.

Accessibility of psychological treatments for chronic pain in low socioeconomic settings.

Chronic pain is a highly prevalent condition globally. Low-socioeonomic (SES) populations tend to have higher prevalence rates and worsened pain outcomes. Although psychological interventions for chronic pain are considered an integral aspect of chronic pain treatment, psychological treatments are often not accessible for individuals with low-SES due to barriers such as poor insurance coverage, transportation and financial issues, lack of access to pain-trained providers, and educational resources with inappropriately high literacy levels.

Circulating metabolomic biomarkers of 5-year body weight and composition change in a biracial cohort of community-dwelling older adults.

Unintentional weight loss in older populations is linked to greater mortality and morbidity risks. This study aims to understand the metabolic mechanisms of unintentional weight loss and their relationship with body composition changes in older adults. We investigated plasma metabolite associations with weight and body composition changes over 5 years in 1335 participants (mean age 73.

Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer: A Dangerous Liaison.

The field of cardio-oncology has traditionally focused on the impact of cancer and its therapies on cardiovascular health. Mounting clinical and preclinical evidence, however, indicates that the reverse may also be true: cardiovascular disease can itself influence tumor growth and metastasis. Numerous epidemiological studies have reported that individuals with prevalent cardiovascular disease have an increased incidence of cancer.