University of Arizona Health Sciences

Researchers at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health will use air quality sensors, temperature measurements and a national database of 911 emergency medical services calls to evaluate the links between environmental exposures, such as air pollution and temperature, and EMS transports for health emergencies. “Our climate is becoming hotter and more unpredictable, and that leads to elevated levels of air pollution and extreme temperatures that have dangerous health effects,” said lead researcher Chris Lim, PhD, an assistant professor at the Zuckerman College of Public Health. The study, “Short-Term Environmental Exposures and Emergency Medical Service Activation in the United States,” is funded by a $1.6 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), a division of the National Institutes of Health. More: https://bit.ly/3A41vbw

The University of Arizona Cancer Center honored nine members during its second annual awards dinner “These awards are incredibly special because to receive one you must be nominated by another Cancer Center member who works alongside you and is grateful for your contributions,” said Regents Professor Juanita Merchant, MD, PhD, interim U of A Cancer Center director, associate director of the cancer center basic sciences and chief of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. This year, we recognized excellence in basic science, translational science, and population science, awarding research prizes for impactful publications. We also celebrated achievements in community-engaged research, clinical research, teaching, mentoring, and clinical excellence, with two members receiving lifetime achievement awards. More: https://bit.ly/3NwqAio

A study published in Clinical Cancer Research highlights the potential of the MeCo Score™, developed at the University of Arizona, to predict breast cancer relapse. Researchers found that patients with high MeCo Scores who received antifibrotic therapy in addition to chemotherapy had a 62% reduction in recurrence risk. This study could move the MeCo Score one step closer to FDA approval, allowing it to be used to potentially improve outcomes for people with HER2-negative breast cancer. More: https://bit.ly/3UkJLjf

Nancy Johnson, PhD, RN, director of clinical partnerships at the U of A College of Health Sciences, is working to close the gap between academic training and real-world health care delivery. Her focus on building a network of clinical partners ensures students gain hands-on experience in diverse communities across the state, increasing the likelihood they will practice in Arizona after graduation. “The opportunity to create meaningful clinical partnerships that focus on bidirectional pathways for future health care providers is one of the most important aspects of success for our college,” said Kevin Lohenry, PhD, PA-C, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. More: https://bit.ly/48Ca8XT

The University of Arizona Cancer Center Skin Cancer Institute has been awarded the Team Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award by the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Congressional Families Program. Clara Curiel, MD, co-director of the Skin Cancer Institute, and Dylan Miller, MPH, senior program coordinator for outreach and education, represented the team at the 31st annual Action for Cancer Awareness Awards Luncheon at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The institute was honored for their impactful Students Are Sun Safe program and their efforts in training community members to become Community Ambassadors in Skin Cancer Prevention. More: https://bit.ly/4hgUzse

The Emens family’s journey through multiple autoimmune conditions highlights the importance of research in finding new therapies for diseases. Jamee Emens reflects on the emotional and physical toll of managing chronic illnesses in her now-teenaged triplets. The Steele Children’s Research Center and the U of A Health Sciences Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies are leading the charge in advancing diagnosis and treatment options for autoimmune diseases. The innovative research on epigenetics and the gut microbiome offers hope to families dealing with autoimmune conditions. More: https://lnkd.in/gTUVNJWA

This October, we bring awareness to breast cancer and stand together in the fight against this disease that impacts so many in our community. We are dedicated to empowering patients and supporting survivors. Thaddeus Pace, PhD, talks about the U of A SUPORT Project and how compassion-based mediation is helping breast cancer survivors and their loved ones feel connections with others and have compassion for themselves. https://lnkd.in/gvYru_YX

The University of Arizona Health Sciences and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences are hosting “Opioids in Pain and Addiction” on Oct. 23. This full-day event will feature presentations from experts on opioid use, chronic pain and addiction, as well as insights into the latest research and emerging treatments. Attendees will also hear from a patient’s perspective, offering a unique view on living with chronic pain and opioid use. For more information and the speaker lineup, visit: https://bit.ly/3YhmxeH Event: Oct. 23, 7:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Health Sciences Innovation Building, Tucson

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson researchers are leading a study that is testing a noncompression CT system to improve breast cancer detection. The innovative method offers high-resolution 3-D imaging without the discomfort that can be experienced during mammograms. Researchers hope to improve early detection of breast cancer, especially for people with dense breasts. The study is supported by a $3.3M grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). “With our technology, there is a hole on the table and the woman lies prone with the breast through the hole. The tube spins around 360 degrees,” said Srinivasan Vedantham, PhD, a professor in the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Medical Imaging and member of the U of A Cancer Center. “There is nothing in contact with the breast — no compression, nothing. You lie face down, and it takes 10 seconds to image each breast.” More: https://bit.ly/4hhk1Og

Research shows potential of new platform for testing of structural-based drug designs for cardiac arrhythmias. A new study by researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and the University of California Davis Health identified a new target for developing a therapy to treat atrial fibrillation, the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm. More: https://bit.ly/4fa5GkV