Publications by authors named "R V McKinney"

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the worst solid malignancies in regard to outcomes and metabolic dysfunction leading to cachexia. It is alarming that PDAC incidence rates continue to increase and warrant the need for innovative approaches to combat this disease. Due to its relatively slow progression (10-20 years), prevention strategies represent an effective means to improve outcomes.

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Synaptopodin, an actin-associated protein found in a subset of dendritic spines in telencephalic neurons, has been described to influence both functional and morphological plasticity under various plasticity paradigms. Synaptopodin is necessary and sufficient for the formation of the spine apparatus, stacks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum cisternae. The spine apparatus is a calcium store that locally regulates calcium dynamics in response to different patterns of activity and is also thought to be a site for local protein synthesis.

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This study sought to assess disparities in health/healthcare utilization for Hispanic immigrant community in Greenville County, SC. The study also assessed the role of culturally competent care perceptions on health/healthcare utilization within this growing community. Secondary administrative data collected by a large health care system in the county facilitated the assessment of health/healthcare utilization disparities using multivariate regression.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study focuses on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common chronic respiratory issue in infants, particularly those born preterm, highlighting the lack of consistent clinical care guidelines.
  • - A survey of 27 BPD programs revealed significant variability in outpatient care, including referral processes, services offered, follow-up echocardiograms, and discharge criteria.
  • - The authors advocate for the creation of comprehensive clinical guidelines for BPD, similar to those for asthma and cystic fibrosis, to standardize care and potentially improve long-term health outcomes.
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Proper maintenance of intracellular vesicular pH is essential for cargo trafficking during synaptic function and plasticity. Mutations in the SLC9A6 gene encoding the recycling endosomal pH regulator (Na, K)/H exchanger isoform 6 (NHE6) are causal for Christianson syndrome (CS), a severe form of X-linked intellectual disability. NHE6 expression is also downregulated in other neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting its dysfunction could contribute more broadly to the pathophysiology of other neurological conditions.

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