University Of Pittsburgh

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) could help patients regain hand and arm function after stroke or traumatic brain injury, according to new research. DBS involves placing electrodes in the brain to stimulate the motor thalamus, improving muscle activation and grip without involuntary movement. The study, published in Nature Communications, showed immediate improvements in a human participant's arm strength and motion.

LITES Network, led by Jason Sperry, Stephen Wisniewski, and Francis Guyette, focuses on trauma care research, launching the PREEVEnT trial to assess early plasma treatment in burn patients. Since 2016, LITES has completed five studies and has four ongoing trials, aiming to transform trauma care practices.

Analysis of WHO ADR data shows suicidality and self-harm with semaglutide, but not in clinical trials or a large cohort study. Both studies excluded patients with mental health history, leaving unanswered if GLP-1 receptor agonists worsen symptoms in such patients. Rapid weight loss due to semaglutide may exacerbate mental distress in vulnerable patients, necessitating continued vigilance and further research.

Stroke rates in sickle cell disease patients continue to rise despite preventive measures, with risk doubling every 20 years and increasing 13-fold between ages 20 and 60. Recent data shows highest stroke rates in the 2010s across all age groups, emphasizing the need for regular screenings and preventive steps for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other risk factors.

The University of Pittsburgh is expanding its space education and research with Pitt Space, focusing on Space Engineering, Space Biomedicine, and Space Science. Led by distinguished faculty, the initiative aims to develop new technologies and curricula, leveraging partnerships with over 30 agencies and universities to prepare graduates for the space industry.

INmune Bio Inc. is offering 2,341,260 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 2,341,260 shares of common stock. The offering price per share of common stock and accompanying Warrant is $5.50 for Third-party investors and $6.50 for Insiders. The Warrants are exercisable beginning on March 16, 2025, at an exercise price of $6.40 per share, and will expire on March 16, 2030, unless accelerated. The net proceeds from this offering will be used for funding to complete the Phase 2 AD trial of XPro, initiate the Phase 2 trial of TRD, continue the INKmune programs, and for general corporate purposes, working capital, other R&D, and manufacturing.

University of Pittsburgh celebrated a topping-off ceremony for BioForge, a facility on Hazelwood Green aiming to revolutionize precision biological medicine production, making treatments more affordable and accessible, with potential global impact.

Annual mammograms reduce late-stage breast cancer and improve survival. Biennial and intermittent screenings show higher late-stage rates and worse survival. False positives common, affecting 10-12% of mammograms, but annual screenings remain crucial for early detection.

A study on text messaging for lung cancer screening eligibility found 90% of respondents use texts regularly, with 83% likely to respond about smoking status. Middle-aged, college-educated, and higher-income individuals were more willing to report smoking status via text, while older adults, lower-income, and less educated groups were less inclined. A multimodal approach is needed for equitable identification. Another study assessed consumer preferences for network adequacy definitions, finding support for traditional measures and broader definitions influenced by gender, education, health status, and recent healthcare experiences. In a Managed Care Cast episode, Dr. Michael Lynch discussed the complexities of opioid overdoses, including substances beyond fentanyl and Pennsylvania's high drug overdose mortality rate. Dr. Emmanuel Nazaire Essam presented findings on Medicaid expansion's impact on HIV outcomes in Nebraska, showing improved viral suppression rates and access to care, emphasizing the importance of programs like Ryan White and ongoing barriers.

Zachary Freyberg modified bromocriptine to separate dopamine effects in brain vs. periphery, finding it entered brain more slowly and stayed longer in body. This could lead to better antipsychotic drug side effect management.