NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital found that loss of MeCP2 in adulthood causes immediate gene dysregulation, leading to Rett syndrome. They identified a molecular cascade driving disease independently of developmental contributions, with neuronal circuit-level deficits occurring after gene expression dysregulation.

Tharimmune plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of TH104 for moderate-to-severe pruritus in PBC patients in 2025, following positive Phase 1 results and regulatory feedback. The company achieved milestones in manufacturing, clinical trials, and regulatory progress in 2024, and expanded its Board of Directors with the appointment of Sanam Parikh.

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.

PhotoniCare secured $4.6M in Series B financing, partnered with Gentex for OtoSigh Middle Ear Scope, relocated HQ to Grand Rapids, and aims to close a $9M round. OtoSigh uses OCT imaging to diagnose middle ear infections, with 90.6% accuracy, and has served over 26,000 patients.

Participating in clinical trials can contribute to medical advancements and earn extra money, but beware of scams. Biotrial offers a trusted platform for legitimate trials. Key scam red flags include payment requests, demands for sensitive personal information, and vague study details. Verify trials through official databases, research organizations, and healthcare providers. Protect personal data by reading consent forms and asking questions. Biotrial uses Verified Clinical Trials Registry to prevent dual enrollment. Compensation varies, and suspicious trials should be reported to authorities. Trends shaping the future include decentralized trials, increased diversity, and technology integration.

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NIMH's Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment offers two post-doc positions in Bethesda, MD, focusing on thalamocortical circuits' neurodevelopment. Positions involve advanced techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration, with benefits including generous stipends and health insurance. Applicants need a Ph.D., relevant publications, and strong communication skills.

During the 2023 cisplatin and carboplatin shortage, mortality rates among advanced cancer patients remained unchanged, with a 2.7% decrease in platinum chemotherapy use. Alternative therapies mitigated the impact, though platinum drugs remain the preferred, cost-effective treatment.

Patients with high-risk, HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer showed better outcomes with anthracycline-plus-taxane chemotherapy vs. taxane-only regimens, according to a TAILORx trial analysis presented at SABCS 2024. T-AC regimens improved survival outcomes, particularly for patients with RS 31+ and tumors ≥2 cm. Anthracycline benefits increased with higher RS, but no trend was seen for RS 26-30. Long-term follow-up is needed due to potential late risks.