Publications by authors named "E C Watters"
Analyzing host-microbe interactions is essential for understanding how microbiota changes disrupt host homeostasis. Here, we present a protocol for predicting host-microbe protein-protein interactions and their downstream effects using MicrobioLink. We describe steps for setting up the environment, installing software, and preparing human transcriptomic and bacterial proteomic data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPreeclampsia is a severe obstetrical syndrome which contributes to 10-15% of all maternal deaths. Although the mechanisms underlying systemic damage in preeclampsia-such as impaired placentation, endothelial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation-are well studied, the initial triggers of the condition remain largely unknown. Furthermore, although the pathogenesis of preeclampsia begins early in pregnancy, there are no early diagnostics for this life-threatening syndrome, which is typically diagnosed much later, after systemic damage has already manifested.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCombinational antiretroviral therapy (cART) suppresses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral replication and pathogenesis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. However, HIV-1 remains in the latent stage of infection by suppressing viral transcription, which hinders an HIV-1 cure. One approach for an HIV-1 cure is the "shock and kill" strategy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a type of intermediate malignancy, and this study involves a large cohort of patients (182) under the age of 39 to better understand the disease.
- The findings showed that the median age of patients is 11 years, with common symptoms including pain and respiratory issues, and a notable 53% of tumors displayed ALK overexpression.
- Surgery was frequently performed (91%), leading to a high 5-year survival rate of 95%, but certain factors like tumor size and respiratory symptoms were linked to recurrence risk, indicating that aggressive surgical approaches may not always be necessary.*
Article Synopsis
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in children is rare and has various subtypes, making it challenging to manage and predict outcomes.
- A study involving 262 children identified three main HCC subtypes: conventional HCC (cHCC), fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), and hepatoblastoma with HCC features (HB-HCC), revealing significant differences in their clinical behaviors and mortality risk factors.
- The findings suggest that cHCC has a higher mortality risk compared to FLC, and factors such as elevated α-fetoprotein levels and tumor unresectability are associated with poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies based on histological characteristics.