UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Protease 3075, a novel enzyme from thermophilic Cohnella sp. A01, was characterized through recombinant production in E. coli BL21. It exhibits optimal activity at 70°C and pH 6, with enhanced stability in the presence of Tween 80 and acetone. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations revealed hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces stabilize the enzyme-Tween 80 interaction, increasing structural stability. The enzyme shows potential for industrial applications, particularly in detergents.

New study snapshot & updated ethics/regulatory docs available for I CAN DO Surgical ACP trial. Transitioning to implementation phase, investigators reviewed initial consultation minutes. Testing system-based approach for older adults' advance care planning in elective surgery. Supported by NIH & led by UCSF & UMN researchers.

Orly Vardeny discussed FINEARTS-HF trial findings on finerenone's efficacy in HF patients with EF ≥40%, reducing cardiovascular death and HF events. Finerenone shows kidney-protective effects and lower hyperkalemia risk than steroidal MRAs, though hyperkalemia incidence doubled. The trial supports finerenone's use alongside SGLT2 inhibitors, addressing HF treatment needs, with improvements in patient-reported functional status. Challenges remain in translating trial findings into clinical practice.

Air pollution significantly raises blood clot risks, with fine particulate matter increasing risk by 43% and nitrogen dioxide nearly tripling odds, according to a 17-year study of 6,600 Americans. Ozone showed no link to clotting risk.

A study from the University of Minnesota reveals that 52% of rural U.S. hospitals had no maternity ward by 2022, compared to 36% of urban hospitals. Obstetric services are less profitable, often subsidized by other hospital services, leading to closures that increase the vulnerability of new moms and babies, exacerbating the U.S.'s high maternal mortality rates.

High-profile dementia researchers, including Eliezer Masliah, have been accused of fraud, influencing neurological research and drug trials. Dr. Matthew Schrag, a neurologist, investigates such misconduct, emphasizing the need for research integrity and high-quality data. Schrag highlights the challenges in spotting fraud and the ethical concerns of running trials based on potentially fraudulent data, advocating for a broader approach to Alzheimer's research beyond the amyloid hypothesis.

Avera Cancer Institute in Marshall will expand cancer research opportunities starting in 2025, allowing patients to participate in clinical trials without long-distance travel. The expansion aims to provide rural access to advanced treatments and trials, with a focus on maintaining high-quality care. The new hospital pharmacy, opening in January, will support trial medication storage and preparation.

Avera Cancer Institute in Marshall will expand cancer research opportunities starting in 2025, offering clinical trials previously only available at larger centers, enhancing rural cancer care and reducing travel burdens for patients.

Pregnancy challenges for women with epilepsy include medication risks like valproate's link to autism and lower IQ, and the need for dose adjustments due to faster metabolism. A study followed 298 children of women with epilepsy to age 6, finding no difference in verbal abilities compared to healthy women's children, though medication levels in the third trimester had nuanced effects. Folate supplementation was beneficial, while acetaminophen showed risks. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of various epilepsy drugs and genetic factors influencing outcomes.

Roswell Park CEO Candace Johnson introduces Michael Wong as the center's first Physician in Chief, aiming to enhance patient care and outcomes. Wong, a former MD Anderson Cancer Center professor, will lead clinical teams and focus on improving care delivery.