BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Studies reveal confusion among allergy patients and EMS crews on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis, with hesitancy in using epinephrine and varying protocols across states.

Christine E. Seidman, MD, awarded 2024 Maria I. New International Prize for Biomedical Research for pioneering cardiovascular genetics, transforming understanding of congenital heart disease and heart muscle disorders. Seidman receives $20,000 and will present a lecture at Icahn Mount Sinai on Nov 8.

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, stress levels are high. Eric Storch, vice chair of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine, suggests managing stress by controlling what you can, limiting media exposure, focusing on stress relievers, and seeking counseling if needed. He also advises handling political conversations respectfully, de-escalating tension by agreeing to disagree or shifting topics.

Mpox vaccine (MVA-BN; Jynneos) generated robust immune responses in adolescents, with higher geometric mean titers (GMT) than in adults, and was deemed safe, according to a phase II clinical trial interim analysis presented at IDWeek.

The Undiagnosed Hackathon was conceptualized and designed by H.C., M. Cederroth, A.N., and A.M.D.V. Biological samples and phenotype data were collected by various authors, processed and analyzed under the coordination of A.M.D.V. et al. All authors participated in data analysis and interpretation, with A.M.D.V. et al. drafting the manuscript. A.N., H.C., and M. Cederroth secured funding.

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine researchers developed a treatment combining cytokine 'drug factory' implants and checkpoint inhibitor drugs, which eradicated advanced-stage mesothelioma tumors in mice within days. The treatment involves tiny IL-2-producing beads implanted near tumors, showing promising results in preclinical trials and paving the way for clinical trials in ovarian and mesothelioma patients.

Speakers at the Cardiometabolic Health Congress highlighted recent FDA regulatory moves in hypertension, lipid, and diabetes therapies, including approvals and rejections.

MVA-BN vaccine showed similar immune response in adolescents and adults with no safety issues in a U.S. phase 2 trial. The vaccine, marketed as Jynneos in the U.S. and Imvanex in Europe, is now approved for adolescents. The WHO has prequalified the vaccine for use in high-risk groups, including infants and pregnant women. Bavarian Nordic plans to trial the vaccine in children aged 2 to 12, and CEPI is funding studies on post-exposure vaccination efficacy.

The phase III SWOG S1011 trial found no disease-free survival benefit for extended vs standard lymphadenectomy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy, with higher perioperative morbidity and mortality in the extended group.