“We’re so fortunate to have so many individuals come to us and want to share their time and help our patients and families,” said Kathleen Kiene of the 300 James Cancer Hospital volunteers. Kiene is the Administrative Associate Director of System-Wide Volunteer Services, and she recruits, trains and mentors her small army of volunteers, who include a large number of former James patients … such as Laura Schoettmer. “I just want to make people feel hopeful, because there is so much hope here,” said Schoettmer, who was diagnosed with lymphoma several years ago and is now in remission. Kiene described all the different ways in which volunteers contribute to patient care, which includes: wayfinding and escorting, interacting and helping patients while they receive chemotherapy, in the surgical visitor’s lounge, as waiting room ambassadors, in the James’s outpatient facilities. “In our Restful Nights program volunteers are there from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. and they man carts and visit patients and offer amenities,” Kiene explained. “Conversations start and there are bonding moments between the patients and our volunteers. One volunteer watched Jeopardy with a patient and another patient played the guitar and our volunteers were there to listen and be part of that.” Schoettmer began volunteering in 2015, three years before she was diagnosed with cancer. She lost a cousin to breast cancer “and I was very angry and wanted to do something.” Some volunteers may initially be concerned interacting with cancer patients can be difficult emotionally. “It’s so fulfilling and so rewarding and every Thursday morning when I walk into the James [to volunteer] I feel exhilarated,” said Schoettmer, who volunteers in the chemotherapy clinic. For more information of becoming a James volunteer: https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers/volunteering/volunteer-opportunities

Episode 181: How James Volunteers Make A Difference, with Kathleen Kiene & Laura Schoettmer

BUFFALO, NY - January 21, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 16 on January 20, 2025, titled “Anti-correlation of KLRG1 and PD-1 expression in human tumor CD8 T cells."

The study, authored by Dr. Steven A. Greenberg from Harvard Medical School, has discovered a potential new way to improve cancer treatment by studying two key molecules found in immune cells: KLRG1 and PD-1. Analysis of data from cancer patients and healthy individuals revealed that these molecules work in opposite ways in cancer-fighting cells, suggesting that targeting both at the same time could enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.

“Much effort in the field of immuno-oncology has involved the study of combination therapies, including combinations involving blockade of more than one T cell inhibitory receptor.”

The immune system helps fight cancer through specialized cells called T cells. Treatments known as checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins like PD-1, have been successful in helping these cells attack cancer. However, combining different checkpoint inhibitors has not always provided the expected improvements. 

This new research focuses on KLRG1, a lesser-known protein, and its relationship with PD-1. The findings suggest that targeting both markers simultaneously could create a stronger and more effective immune response against cancer. Most existing immunotherapy treatments focus only on blocking PD-1, which is commonly found in “exhausted” T cells that struggle to fight cancer. In contrast, KLRG1 is linked to more active, mature T cells that are better at attacking tumors. By blocking both PD-1 and KLRG1, new treatment strategies could help patients with hard-to-treat cancers, such as lung cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer.

KLRG1 has not been widely studied in cancer immunotherapy, but this research highlights its potential to revolutionize treatment strategies. While current combinations of checkpoint inhibitors have shown only limited improvements, using therapies that target both PD-1 and KLRG1 could lead to more significant and long-lasting benefits.

“Whereas much of the T cell inhibitory drug development efforts over the last decade have been focused on combinations of expression-correlated inhibitory receptor targets, the targeting of anti-correlated inhibitory receptors has greater potential to produce supra-additive benefit, and KLRG1 has this distinct property.”

Further studies and clinical trials are needed to explore how combining PD-1 and KLRG1 treatments could benefit different types of cancer. If successful, this strategy could open the door for the creation of new combined immunotherapies.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28679

Correspondence to - Steven A. Greenberg - sagreenberg@bwh.harvard.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PME2xfyYN18

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

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Oncotarget

Anti-Correlation Between KLRG1 and PD-1 in Tumor CD8 T Cells

Dean Yejide Peters Pietersen joins us to discuss what it's like to apply to and be a student at Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopal seminary at Yale. This is the perfect episode for people thinking about exploring their call or applying to seminary—or for people who know those people! Dean Pietersen reflects on vocational discernment and how theological education is for everyone. She shares how Berkeley at Yale strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment (starting with its full-tuition scholarships!). We talk about Berkeley's community life focus and the integration of intellectual, spiritual, and practical aspects of ministry that Berkeley students experience during their time here.

44: Seminary with Yejide Peters Pietersen

Curators and scholars Antawan I. Byrd and Matthew S. Witkovsky discuss the new exhibition and book Project a Black Planet

The Visual History of Panafricanism

BUFFALO, NY- January 28, 2025 – A new #research paper was #published in Volume 16, Issue 22 of Aging (Aging-US) on December 20, 2024, titled, “Impaired renal transporter gene expression and uremic toxin excretion as aging hallmarks in cats with naturally occurring chronic kidney disease.”

This study, led by researchers Qinghong Li, James A. Holzwarth, Bethany Smith, Sonia Karaz, Mathieu Membrez, Vincenzo Sorrentino, Stacie Summers, Julie Spears, and Eugenia Migliavacca from  Nestlé Purina Research and Oregon State University, explores how aging affects kidney function in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The researchers found that older cats have lower levels of important kidney transporter genes, which usually help remove harmful waste products from the blood. These findings could help veterinarians better understand CKD in aging cats and offer insights that may be relevant to human kidney health.

"Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a naturally occurring kidney disease common in both geriatric cats and older people. Despite differing etiology, both species share many pathophysiological similarities, including chronic tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis."

Older cats with CKD struggle to filter toxins from their bloodstream effectively. In this study, the researchers analyzed kidney samples from two cat cohorts aged 6 to 21 years. The cohort number one included 41 colony cats: 28 control and 13 CKD cats. The cohort number two had 30 privately owned cats with 10 control and 20 CKD cats. They discovered that certain transporter genes, such as OAT1, OAT4, OATP4C1 and ABCC2, were significantly decreased in cats with CKD compared to healthy cats. The research team also found increased levels of harmful toxins in the blood of cats with CKD. Even healthy older cats had higher toxin levels compared to younger cats, showing that aging itself might contribute to declining kidney function.

Monitoring kidney transporters levels and toxin buildup may help detect the disease early and improve treatment options. The researchers highlight the importance of regular veterinary check-ups to catch kidney problems early and keep cats healthier for longer.

Because cats and humans share similar kidney health challenges, studying feline CKD can provide valuable insights into human kidney disease and aging. Continued research is essential to develop treatments that may improve kidney function in aging cats and potentially benefit humans as well.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206176

Corresponding author - Qinghong Li - qinghong.li@rd.nestle.com

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuEP9PXtx2A

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Keywords - aging, trimethylamine N-oxide, indoxyl sulfate, OAT1, OATP4C1, ABCC2

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us:

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Aging (Aging-US)

Renal Transporter Genes and Uremic Toxins in Aging Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

BUFFALO, NY- January 29, 2025 – A new #editorial was #published in Volume 16, Issue 22 of Aging (Aging-US) on December 11, 2024, titled “ISarcoPRM algorithm for global operationalization of sarcopenia diagnosis.”

In this editorial, Pelin Analay, Murat Kara and Levent Özçakar from Hacettepe University Medical School discuss the importance of establishing a standardized global approach to diagnosing sarcopenia, an age-related condition that leads to muscle loss and reduced strength. The authors highlight the ISarcoPRM algorithm, which suggests measuring quadriceps muscle mass instead of the commonly used appendicular lean mass (ALM) measurement. They believe this improved method could help clinicians identify sarcopenia earlier and provide better treatment options.

Sarcopenia is a major health problem for older adults, making daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up more difficult. As muscle strength declines, individuals with sarcopenia are at greater risk of falls and serious injuries, such as fractures. Early detection of sarcopenia is crucial to help older adults maintain their mobility and independence.

The editorial points out that current diagnostic tools, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), may not effectively measure age-related muscle loss. Sarcopenia primarily affects fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are essential for strength and quick movements. However, DXA scans measure overall muscle mass and fail to assess these specific fibers, potentially leading to inaccurate or delayed diagnoses.

The authors propose that measuring the quadriceps muscle mass—the large muscle in the thigh—is a more accurate way to diagnose sarcopenia. This muscle plays a critical role in mobility and strength, and its size and function are strongly linked to a person's overall physical performance. The editorial recommends using ultrasound (US) imaging as a practical and cost-effective solution for diagnosing sarcopenia in clinical settings. Compared to other imaging techniques, US is affordable, widely available, and well-suited for elderly patients, including those with mobility limitations or medical implants. Ultrasound is also non-invasive, making it an ideal choice for routine sarcopenia screening in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

If widely adopted, this new way of diagnosing sarcopenia could help clinicians detect it more accurately and at an earlier stage. Finding sarcopenia early allows people to start helpful treatments, like exercise, better nutrition, and healthy lifestyle changes. These steps can slow down muscle loss and help older adults stay strong and active. Finally, the authors encourage a global consensus on how to diagnose sarcopenia and suggest the ISarcoPRM method as a great option.

“In conclusion, quadriceps muscle mass measurements, preferably by US and as recommended by the ISarcoPRM algorithm, holds great promise in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206174

Corresponding author - Pelin Analay - pelinanalay@yahoo.com

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDcQ9w6mHyE

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us:

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ISarcoPRM Algorithm: Advancing Global Sarcopenia Diagnosis

In this episode, we discuss the importance of following intravenous access recommendations for cesarean deliveries with Dr. Scott Seki at his institution. How do Dr. Seki and his colleagues define adequate intravenous access? Which patients are more or less likely to receive the recommended IV access? What are the patient implications if we fail to provide the recommended IV access? These are some of the questions we explored during this podcast. By the end of the episode, I began reevaluating the significance and sometimes implicit implications of not adhering to the recommended IV access standards.

Intravenous Access for Cesarean Delivery

Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the newest YJBM issue! In this episode, our host Shivesh Shourya sits down with deputy editors RuthMabel Boytz and Evan Navori to discuss December’s “Viruses and Autoimmunity.” From the earliest planning stages to navigating unexpected challenges, discover how this issue came to life—and gain fresh insights into the fascinating intersection of viruses and autoimmune disease.

Read the “Viruses and Autoimmunity” issue:
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/yjbms-december-2024-issue-focuses-on-viruses-and-autoimmunity/

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YJBM Viruses and Autoimmunity: Interview with Deputy Editors

BUFFALO, NY—February 4, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published by Aging (Aging-US) on December 3, 2024, in Volume 17, Issue 1, titled “Topical ABT-263 treatment reduces aged skin senescence and improves subsequent wound healing.”

Researchers Maria Shvedova, Rex Jeya Rajkumar Samdavid Thanapaul,  Joy Ha, Jannat Dhillon, Grace H. Shin, Jack Crouch, Adam C. Gower, Sami Gritli, and Daniel S. Roh from Boston University Aram V. Chobanian and Edward Avedisian School of Medicine have discovered that a drug called ABT-263 can significantly improve wound healing in aging skin. When applied directly to the skin of older mice, ABT-263 helps clear out old, damaged cells, known as senescent cells, and speeds up the skin’s ability to heal after injury. This finding could lead to new treatments for slow-healing wounds in older adults, especially for post-surgical recovery and chronic wound care.

As people age, their bodies accumulate senescent cells—damaged cells that no longer function properly but refuse to die. The buildup of these cells in tissues like the skin slows down the body’s ability to heal after injuries. This study investigated whether ABT-263, a senolytic drug designed to target and remove senescent cells when applied topically, could enhance the skin’s natural healing process.

Researchers applied ABT-263 to the skin of aged mice for five days. The treated skin showed fewer signs of cellular aging, and when small wounds were created, they healed much faster compared to untreated mice. By day 24, 80% of the mice treated with ABT-263 had fully healed wounds, compared to just 56% of untreated mice.

Interestingly, ABT-263 triggered a brief spike of inflammation in the skin, which surprisingly helped the healing process. The inflammation seemed to “wake up” the skin’s repair systems, making them respond more quickly to wounds. Additionally, ABT-263 increased the activity of genes related to wound repair, such as those involved in collagen production and the growth of new blood vessels, both essential for skin strength and regeneration.

The study also found that ABT-263 selectively reduced senescent cells in aged mice without affecting young mice, suggesting the drug is particularly effective in older tissues where these damaged cells accumulate. Moreover, because ABT-263 was applied directly to the skin, it avoided the common side effects associated with oral senolytic drugs.

“Our study underscores the potential of topical senolytic treatments to enhance wound healing in aging skin, presenting a potentially promising strategy for preoperative care.”

While the results are promising, more research is needed to confirm whether this treatment is safe and effective for humans. However, this study represents an exciting step forward in regenerative medicine, opening new opportunities to improve wound healing in aging skin.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206165

Corresponding author - Daniel S. Roh - droh@bu.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKS7sZyEChg

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us:

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ABT-263 Treatment Rejuvenates Aged Skin and Enhances Wound Healing

BUFFALO, NY—February 5, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Aging (Aging-US) on November 27, 2024, in Volume 17, Issue 1, titled “Neurocognitive disparities: investigating ethnicity and mental health in rural aging adults.”

Researchers Carol Fadalla, Jonathan Singer,, Peter Rerick, Lauren Elliott, Elisabeth McLean, Sydnie Schneider, Lauren Chrzanowski, Veronica Molinar-Lopez, and Volker Neugebauer from Texas Tech University and the University of Central Oklahoma studied how depression and anxiety affect memory and thinking skills in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults living in rural areas. They found clear differences in brain health, with Hispanic older adults scoring lower on tests of memory, attention, and problem-solving, even when their mental health was similar to non-Hispanic White participants. This suggests that Hispanic older adults may face unique challenges that affect their brain health, highlighting the need for support programs tailored to their specific needs.

As the U.S. population grows older, more people are being diagnosed with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-related illnesses. This issue is even more serious in rural communities where healthcare services are limited. Hispanic older adults, who make up a large part of the rural population, are at an even higher risk of developing these brain health issues.

In this study, researchers analyzed data from over 1,400 adults aged 40 and older from rural communities in Texas. Participants completed tests measuring memory, problem-solving, and attention, along with surveys about depression and anxiety. While depression and anxiety were linked to poorer thinking skills, they did not fully explain the brain health differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants. In fact, ethnic background alone explained about 20% of the differences in brain health, showing its strong impact on cognitive performance.

The study also found that other factors, such as lifelong stress, limited access to healthcare, language barriers, discrimination, social isolation, and fewer educational opportunities, may contribute to these brain health differences. These challenges seem to affect Hispanic older adults more, increasing their risk of memory and thinking problems as they age.

The researchers emphasize the need to look beyond mental health to fully understand brain health differences in older adults. They recommend that healthcare providers consider social, economic, and cultural factors when developing programs to support cognitive health. Adding memory and thinking tests to regular checkups could help detect early signs of cognitive decline. 

“Culturally tailored interventions targeting risk factors for neurocognitive impairment in Hispanic rural aging adults are imperative to mitigate neurocognitive disparities.”

By understanding the unique challenges faced by Hispanic older adults, programs that better support brain health can be created. Involving local community leaders in designing these programs can make them more effective, helping all older adults maintain their memory and thinking skills as they age. 

Read the full paper: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206166

Corresponding author: Jonathan Singer - jonsinge@ttu.edu

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​.

MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Neurocognitive Disparities in Aging: Exploring Ethnicity & Mental Health

Emerging research suggests that a specific type of body fat may play an important role in healthy aging and physical performance. Researchers from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School explore this topic in a recent research perspective published in Aging (Aging-US). Their work discusses new findings and emerging ideas about the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT), commonly known as brown fat.

Understanding Brown Fat

The human body contains different types of fat. The most common is white adipose tissue (WAT), which primarily stores excess calories. When present in large amounts, WAT contributes to health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease as a result of its role in metabolic imbalance.

In contrast, BAT serves a more dynamic role. Instead of storing energy, BAT burns calories to generate heat through a process called thermogenesis, powered by its high concentration of mitochondria—the energy-producing structures in cells. While BAT is abundant in newborns to help regulate body temperature, it persists in smaller amounts in adults, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and spine. 

According to the research perspective, titled “Brown Adipose Tissue Enhances Exercise Performance and Healthful Longevity” brown fat’s role extends beyond thermoregulation. The authors suggest that BAT can significantly improve metabolic health, enhance physical performance, and promote healthful longevity.

Full blog - https://aging-us.org/2025/02/the-hidden-power-of-brown-fat-a-new-ally-in-healthy-aging/

Paper DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206179

Corresponding author - Stephen F. Vatner - vatnersf@njms.rutgers.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1DvuR7owJQ

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Keywords - aging, brown adipose tissue, white adipose tissue, healthful longevity, exercise, regulator of G protein signaling 14

About Aging-US

The mission of the journal is to understand the mechanisms surrounding aging and age-related diseases, including cancer as the main cause of death in the modern aged population.

The journal aims to promote 1) treatment of age-related diseases by slowing down aging, 2) validation of anti-aging drugs by treating age-related diseases, and 3) prevention of cancer by inhibiting aging. (Cancer and COVID-19 are age-related diseases.)

Please visit our website at https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us:

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The Hidden Power of Brown Fat: A New Ally in Healthy Aging

Oncotarget is a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Papers are published continuously within yearly volumes in their final and complete form and then quickly released to Pubmed.

Oncotarget is now indexed by MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC/PubMed.

Read about the Oncotarget Scientific Integrity Process: https://www.oncotarget.com/scientific_integrity/

Anti-Correlation Between KLRG1 and PD-1 in Tumor CD8 T Cells

Oncotarget Podcast

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