Trastuzumab deruxtecan in previously treated patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: updated survival results from a phase II trial (DESTINY-Breast01)

BACKGROUND

Primary analysis of the multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II DESTINY-Breast01 trial (median follow-up 11.1 months) demonstrated durable antitumor activity with trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) previously treated with trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). We report updated cumulative survival outcomes with a median follow-up of 26.5 months (data cut-off 26 March 2021).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with HER2-positive mBC resistant or refractory to T-DM1 received T-DXd 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable adverse events, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate (ORR) by independent central review (ICR). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety.

RESULTS

The ORR by ICR was 62.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 54.5% to 69.0%] in patients who received T-DXd 5.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks (n = 184). Median OS was 29.1 months (95% CI 24.6-36.1 months). Median PFS and DoR were 19.4 months (95% CI 14.1-25.0 months) and 18.2 months (95% CI 15.0 months-not evaluable), respectively. Drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were observed in 183 patients (99.5%), and 99 patients (53.8%) had one or more grade ≥3 TEAEs. Adjudicated drug-related interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis occurred in 15.8% of patients (n = 29), of which 2.7% (n = 5) were grade 5.

CONCLUSIONS

These updated results provide further evidence of sustained antitumor activity of T-DXd with a consistent safety profile in heavily pretreated patients with HER2-positive mBC.

Hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations at the end-of-life among cancer patients; a retrospective register data study

BACKGROUND

Patients with incurable cancer are frequently hospitalized within their last 30 days of life (DOL) due to numerous symptoms and concerns. These hospitalizations can be burdensome for the patient and the caregivers and are therefore considered a quality indicator of end-of-life care. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the rates and potential predictors of hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations within the last 30 DOL.

METHODS

This register data study included 383 patients with non-curable cancer who died in the pre-covid period between July 2018 and December 2019. Descriptive statistics with Chi-squared tests for the categorical data and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with hospitalization within the last 30 DOL.

RESULTS

A total of 272 (71%) had hospitalizations within the last 30 days of life and 93 (24%) had > 1 hospitalizations. Hospitalization was associated with shorter time from palliative care unit (PCU) referral to death, male gender, age < 80 years and systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) within the last 30 DOL. The most common treatment approaches initiated during re-hospitalizations remained treatment for suspected or confirmed infection (45%), pleural or abdominal paracentesis (20%) and erythrocytes transfusion (18%).

CONCLUSION

Hospitalization and re-hospitalization within the last 30 DOL were associated with male gender, age below 80, systemic anticancer therapy and suspected or confirmed infection.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Measuring the financial impact of disabilities in India (an analysis of national sample survey data)

BACKGROUND

People with disabilities are vulnerable because of the many challenges they face attitudinal, physical, and financial. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities (2006) recognizes that Persons with Disabilities are valuable human resources for the country and seeks to create an environment that provides equal opportunities, and protection of their rights, and full. There are limited studies on health care burden due to disabilities of various types.

AIM

The present study examines the socioeconomic and state-wise differences in the prevalence of disabilities and related household financial burden in India.

METHODS

Data for this study was obtained from the National Sample Survey (NSS), 76th round Persons with Disabilities in India Survey 2018. The survey covered a sample of 1,18,152 households, 5,76,569 individuals, of which 1,06,894 of had any disability. This study performed descriptive statistics, and bivariate estimates.

RESULTS

The finding of the analysis showed that prevalence of disability of any kind was 22 persons per 1000. Around, one-fifth (20.32%) of the household's monthly consumption expenditure was spent on out-of-pocket expenditure for disability. More than half (57.1%) of the households were pushed to catastrophic health expenditure due to one of the members being disabled. Almost one-fifth (19.1%) of the households who were above the poverty line before one of members was treated for disability were pushed below the poverty line after the expenditure of the treatment and average percentage shortfall in income from the poverty line was 11.0 percent due to disability treatment care expenditure.

CONCLUSION

The study provides an insight on the socioeconomic differentials in out-of-pocket expenditure, catastrophic expenditure for treatment of any kind of disability. To attain SDG goal 3 that advocates healthy life and promote well-being for all at all ages, there is a need to recognize the disadvantaged and due to disability.

Observation of the effect of gravity on the motion of antimatter

Einstein's general theory of relativity from 19151 remains the most successful description of gravitation. From the 1919 solar eclipse2 to the observation of gravitational waves3, the theory has passed many crucial experimental tests. However, the evolving concepts of dark matter and dark energy illustrate that there is much to be learned about the gravitating content of the universe. Singularities in the general theory of relativity and the lack of a quantum theory of gravity suggest that our picture is incomplete. It is thus prudent to explore gravity in exotic physical systems. Antimatter was unknown to Einstein in 1915. Dirac's theory4 appeared in 1928; the positron was observed5 in 1932. There has since been much speculation about gravity and antimatter. The theoretical consensus is that any laboratory mass must be attracted6 by the Earth, although some authors have considered the cosmological consequences if antimatter should be repelled by matter7-10. In the general theory of relativity, the weak equivalence principle (WEP) requires that all masses react identically to gravity, independent of their internal structure. Here we show that antihydrogen atoms, released from magnetic confinement in the ALPHA-g apparatus, behave in a way consistent with gravitational attraction to the Earth. Repulsive 'antigravity' is ruled out in this case. This experiment paves the way for precision studies of the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration between anti-atoms and the Earth to test the WEP.

Erratum: Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 162301 (2021)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.162301.

Measurements of the Elliptic and Triangular Azimuthal Anisotropies in Central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The elliptic (v_{2}) and triangular (v_{3}) azimuthal anisotropy coefficients in central ^{3}He+Au, d+Au, and p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV are measured as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) at midrapidity (|η|<0.9), via the azimuthal angular correlation between two particles both at |η|<0.9. While the v_{2}(p_{T}) values depend on the colliding systems, the v_{3}(p_{T}) values are system independent within the uncertainties, suggesting an influence on eccentricity from subnucleonic fluctuations in these small-sized systems. These results also provide stringent constraints for the hydrodynamic modeling of these systems.

Entrapment of subscapular artery by the splitting of radial nerve- putative clinical implications

The third part of the axillary artery has an intimate relationship with the cords of the brachial plexus. The subscapular artery, the largest branch of the axillary artery, arises from its third part. The radial nerve is a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and its supplies the extensors of the arm, forearm and dorsum of the hand. During routine undergraduate dissection of the axilla of a formalin-fixed cadaver of about 70 years, the subscapular artery was found sandwiched between two divisions of the radial nerve. These anterior and posterior divisions of the radial nerve arose immediately after the formation of the radial nerve and encircled the subscapular artery and fused to form a single nerve subsequently. This variant anatomy can lead to conditions like subscapular entrapment causing ischemia of the scapular region and radial nerve compression causing weakness of the extensors of the upper limb. Injury to the nerve and vessel can occur while performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the area. Knowledge of these variations provides a precautious approach by surgeons and other interventionists while working on this area.

Observation of Directed Flow of Hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report here the first observation of directed flow (v_{1}) of the hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H in mid-central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV at RHIC. These data are taken as part of the beam energy scan program carried out by the STAR experiment. From 165×10^{6} events in 5%-40% centrality, about 8400 _{Λ}^{3}H and 5200 _{Λ}^{4}H candidates are reconstructed through two- and three-body decay channels. We observe that these hypernuclei exhibit significant directed flow. Comparing to that of light nuclei, it is found that the midrapidity v_{1} slopes of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H follow baryon number scaling, implying that the coalescence is the dominant mechanism for these hypernuclei production in the 3 GeV Au+Au collisions.

Beam Energy Dependence of Triton Production and Yield Ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}) in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the triton (t) production in midrapidity (|y|<0.5) Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=7.7-200  GeV measured by the STAR experiment from the first phase of the beam energy scan at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. The nuclear compound yield ratio (N_{t}×N_{p}/N_{d}^{2}), which is predicted to be sensitive to the fluctuation of local neutron density, is observed to decrease monotonically with increasing charged-particle multiplicity (dN_{ch}/dη) and follows a scaling behavior. The dN_{ch}/dη dependence of the yield ratio is compared to calculations from coalescence and thermal models. Enhancements in the yield ratios relative to the coalescence baseline are observed in the 0%-10% most central collisions at 19.6 and 27 GeV, with a significance of 2.3σ and 3.4σ, respectively, giving a combined significance of 4.1σ. The enhancements are not observed in peripheral collisions or model calculations without critical fluctuation, and decreases with a smaller p_{T} acceptance. The physics implications of these results on the QCD phase structure and the production mechanism of light nuclei in heavy-ion collisions are discussed.

Effect of isolation protocols and cryoprotectants on freezing of stallion epididymal spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

The recovery of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis may be the only option to obtain genetic material from elite stallions that had undergone castration or sudden death due to colic or severe injury.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate two different protocols for retrieval of stallion epididymal spermatozoa and to evaluate different cryoprotectants on the freezability of the epididymal spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six epididymides from three stallions were collected immediately after routine castration under general anesthesia. In the first experiment, each epididymis (of two testes) of the same stallion were processed using different methods for retrieval of the epididymal spermatozoa and were pooled and cryopreserved either using 5% glycerol or 5% dimethyl formamide (DMF) as cryoprotectant. The semen quality parameters viz., progressive motility, HOST, viability and acrosome integrity were evaluated at the fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages.

RESULTS

Retrograde method of flushing of epididymis yielded significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentration of the stallion sperm than that of the floating method. The qualitative semen parameters i.e., viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were found to be significantly restored using 5% DMF as cryoprotectant in comparison to when 5% glycerol was used.

CONCLUSION

Retrograde flushing method of epididymis yielded significantly higher sperm concentration to that of the floating method, and 5% DMF as cryoprotectant provided acceptable freezability of stallion epididymal spermatozoa. DOI: 10.54680/fr23310110312.

A review of 100 iatrogenic nerve injuries: delays in referrals remain significant

INTRODUCTION

This is a retrospective study of 100 consecutive patients with iatrogenic nerve injuries, as seen in a tertiary referral centre over a six-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who presented with new-onset nerve palsy involving a motor or mixed motor/sensory nerve following an operation were studied.

RESULTS

There were 44 male and 56 female patients with a mean age of 53 years (range 5-87 years). The median duration from the index procedures to referral was six months (range 0 days to 12 years). Approximately one third of referrals were made over 12 months since the index procedures. Twenty patients recovered spontaneously and were managed expectantly. Eighty patients underwent secondary interventions.

DISCUSSION

There remains a significant delay in referring postoperative nerve palsy to a nerve specialist. The majority of these cases will warrant secondary reconstructive surgery and delay in treatment may have a negative effect on the ultimate outcomes.

Measurement of Sequential ϒ Suppression in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV with the STAR Experiment

We report on measurements of sequential ϒ suppression in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV with the STAR detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) through both the dielectron and dimuon decay channels. In the 0%-60% centrality class, the nuclear modification factors (R_{AA}), which quantify the level of yield suppression in heavy-ion collisions compared to p+p collisions, for ϒ(1S) and ϒ(2S) are 0.40±0.03(stat)±0.03(sys)±0.09(norm) and 0.26±0.08(stat)±0.02(sys)±0.06(norm), respectively, while the upper limit of the ϒ(3S) R_{AA} is 0.17 at a 95% confidence level. This provides experimental evidence that the ϒ(3S) is significantly more suppressed than the ϒ(1S) at RHIC. The level of suppression for ϒ(1S) is comparable to that observed at the much higher collision energy at the Large Hadron Collider. These results point to the creation of a medium at RHIC whose temperature is sufficiently high to strongly suppress excited ϒ states.

Beam Energy Dependence of Fifth- and Sixth-Order Net-Proton Number Fluctuations in Au+Au Collisions at RHIC

We report the beam energy and collision centrality dependence of fifth and sixth order cumulants (C_{5}, C_{6}) and factorial cumulants (κ_{5}, κ_{6}) of net-proton and proton number distributions, from center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) 3 GeV to 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Cumulant ratios of net-proton (taken as proxy for net-baryon) distributions generally follow the hierarchy expected from QCD thermodynamics, except for the case of collisions at 3 GeV. The measured values of C_{6}/C_{2} for 0%-40% centrality collisions show progressively negative trend with decreasing energy, while it is positive for the lowest energy studied. These observed negative signs are consistent with QCD calculations (for baryon chemical potential, μ_{B}≤110  MeV) which contains the crossover transition range. In addition, for energies above 7.7 GeV, the measured proton κ_{n}, within uncertainties, does not support the two-component (Poisson+binomial) shape of proton number distributions that would be expected from a first-order phase transition. Taken in combination, the hyperorder proton number fluctuations suggest that the structure of QCD matter at high baryon density, μ_{B}∼750  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3  GeV is starkly different from those at vanishing μ_{B}∼24  MeV at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and higher collision energies.

Ambient Hydrocarbon Detection with an Ultra-Low-Loss Cavity Raman Analyzer

The detection of ambient outdoor trace hydrocarbons was investigated with a multipass Raman analyzer. It relies on a multimode blue laser diode receiving optical feedback from a retroreflecting multipass optical cavity, effectively creating an external cavity diode laser within which spontaneous Raman scattering enhancement occurs. When implemented with ultra-low-loss mirrors, a more than 20-fold increase in signal-to-background ratio was obtained, enabling proximity detection of trace motor vehicle exhaust gases such as H₂, CO, NO, CH₄, C₂H₂, C₂H₄, and C₂H₆. In a 10-min-long measurement at double atmospheric pressure, the limits of detection obtained were near or below 100 ppb for most analytes.

Collision-System and Beam-Energy Dependence of Anisotropic Flow Fluctuations

Elliptic flow measurements from two-, four-, and six-particle correlations are used to investigate flow fluctuations in collisions of U+U at sqrt[s_{NN}]=193  GeV, Cu+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV and Au+Au spanning the range sqrt[s_{NN}]=11.5-200  GeV. The measurements show a strong dependence of the flow fluctuations on collision centrality, a modest dependence on system size, and very little if any, dependence on particle species and beam energy. The results, when compared to similar LHC measurements, viscous hydrodynamic calculations, and trento model eccentricities, indicate that initial-state-driven fluctuations predominate the flow fluctuations generated in the collisions studied.

Enhancement of Xanthan Biosynthesis Using Medicinal Herbs - A Novel Approach

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of five medicinal herbs in the enhancement of xanthan gum production when used against indigenously isolated (from molasses, an agricultural waste) phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris MW741556. Antibiotic susceptibility of five medicinal herbs (Moringa oleifera, Bacopa monnieri, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, and Arthrospira platensis) against X. campestris culture was first checked. All five herbs exhibited a clear zone of inhibition against X. campestris during the investigation. Thereafter their effect on enhancing the xanthan gum production was studied using molasses enriched medium. The results of this experiment showed that all five herbs were capable of enhancing xanthan gum production significantly. Xanthan gum produced differed in viscosity and dried biomass. Among all, A. platensis and M. oleifera were found to be the most promising for xanthan gum production with higher viscosity. These results were further confirmed by the characterization of xanthan gum produced by five herbs using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Further, a multivariate approach using principal component analysis confirmed the variability among the herbs used. This versatility of these medicinal herbs opens the possibility of their utilization and application in various fields.

Predictors of the ovarian superstimulatory response and oocyte collection in prepubertal heifers

The objectives were to investigate the relationships between antral follicle counts and plasma AMH and FSH at the time of follicular wave emergence in prepubertal calves, and to determine the effects of age and duration of gonadotropin treatment on the ovarian superstimulatory response in pre- and post-pubertal heifers. Hereford crossbred prepubertal (Replicate 1 and 2, n = 20) and post-pubertal heifers (Replicates 1, n = 8; Replicate 2, n = 8) were assigned randomly to 2 treatment groups and given FSH for either 4 or 7 d (25 mg pFSH im at 12-h intervals). Prepubertal heifers were first treated at 4 mo and again at 7 mo of age. Blood samples were collected immediately before the first FSH administration, that was initiated 36 h after follicular ablation. An LH treatment (12.5 mg im) was given 12 h after the last FSH injection. Follicular fluid and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected 24 h after LH treatment. At wave emergence, the number of follicles ≥1 mm (AFC, 31.1 ± 4.0 vs 16.2 ± 1.8; P < 0.001) and the plasma concentrations of AMH (606.4 ± 90.5 vs 279.6 ± 28.3 pg/mL; P = 0.001) were higher at 4 than at 7 mo of age, while plasma FSH concentrations did not differ between ages. At oocyte collection, a higher number of follicles ≥6 mm were observed in prepubertal calves at 4 mo of age and post-pubertal heifers than in calves at 7 mo of age (32.4 ± 5.4 and 22.0 ± 2.3 vs 14.9 ± 2.0, respectively; P = 0.003). Intrafollicular concentrations of estradiol were lower (23.7 ± 4.5 vs 144.0 ± 29.5 ng/mL; P < 0.0001) and of progesterone tended to be higher (217.5 ± 29.3 vs 157.0 ± 33.9 ng/mL; P = 0.07) in the 7- than in the 4-d groups. A greater number of COC was collected from calves at 4 mo of age and heifers than the 7-mo-old calves (13.4 ± 2.6 and 6.0 ± 1.0 vs 5.8 ± 1.1, respectively; P = 0.008). Overall, the 7-d FSH treatment tended to result in a greater proportion of expanded COC than the 4-d treatment in calves (50.1 ± 7.7 vs 31.9 ± 6.8%; P = 0.07). In summary, there was a positive relationship between AFC and plasma AMH concentrations at the time of wave emergence. A higher AFC was observed in calves at 4- than 7-mo of age, which resulted in greater ovarian response to gonadotropin treatment. Following an exogenous LH stimulus, COC maturation rates were greater in the 7-d than in the 4-d FSH treatment groups, resulting in collection of a higher proportion of fully expanded COC.

Evidence for Nonlinear Gluon Effects in QCD and Their Mass Number Dependence at STAR

The STAR Collaboration reports measurements of back-to-back azimuthal correlations of di-π^{0}s produced at forward pseudorapidities (2.6<η<4.0) in p+p, p+Al, and p+Au collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV. We observe a clear suppression of the correlated yields of back-to-back π^{0} pairs in p+Al and p+Au collisions compared to the p+p data. The observed suppression of back-to-back pairs as a function of transverse momentum suggests nonlinear gluon dynamics arising at high parton densities. The larger suppression found in p+Au relative to p+Al collisions exhibits a dependence of the saturation scale Q_{s}^{2} on the mass number A. A linear scaling of the suppression with A^{1/3} is observed with a slope of -0.09±0.01.

Pooled analysis of drug-related interstitial lung disease and/or pneumonitis in nine trastuzumab deruxtecan monotherapy studies

Introduction

This pooled analysis of nine phase I and II trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) monotherapy studies described drug-related interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis in patients treated with T-DXd.

Methods

Patients who received T-DXd across nine studies were included. Investigator-assessed ILD/pneumonitis events were retrospectively reviewed by an independent adjudication committee; events adjudicated as drug-related ILD/pneumonitis are summarized.

Results

The analysis included 1150 patients (breast cancer, 44.3%; gastric cancer, 25.6%; lung cancer, 17.7%; colorectal cancer, 9.3%; other cancer, 3.0%). Median treatment duration was 5.8 (range, 0.7-56.3) months, with a median of 4 (range, 1-27) prior lines of therapy. The overall incidence of adjudicated drug-related ILD/pneumonitis was 15.4% (grade 5, 2.2%). Most patients with ILD/pneumonitis experienced low-grade events (grade 1 or 2, 77.4%); 87.0% had their first event within 12 months [median, 5.4 (range, <0.1-46.8) months] of their first dose of T-DXd. Based on data review, adjudicated ILD/pneumonitis onset occurred earlier than identified by investigators for 53.2% of events [median difference in onset date, 43 (range, 1-499) days]. Stepwise Cox regression identified several baseline factors potentially associated with increased risk of adjudicated drug-related ILD/pneumonitis: age <65 years, enrollment in Japan, T-DXd dose >6.4 mg/kg, oxygen saturation <95%, moderate/severe renal impairment, presence of lung comorbidities, and time since initial diagnosis >4 years.

Conclusions

In this pooled analysis of heavily treated patients, the incidence of ILD/pneumonitis was 15.4%, with most being low grade and occurring in the first 12 months of treatment. The benefit–risk of T-DXd treatment is positive; however, some patients may be at increased risk of developing ILD/pneumonitis, and further investigation is needed to confirm ILD/pneumonitis risk factors. Close monitoring and proactive management of ILD/pneumonitis are warranted for all.

•

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis is a significant adverse event related to trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd).

•

This pooled analysis of nine T-DXd monotherapy studies evaluated ILD/pneumonitis risk in 1150 heavily pretreated patients.

•

Overall incidence of adjudicated T-DXd-related ILD/pneumonitis was 15.4% (grade 1 or 2, 77.4%; grade 5, 2.2%).

•

Within 12 months of their first T-DXd dose, 87.0% of patients had their first event [median, 5.4 (range, <0.1-46.8) months].

•

Proactive monitoring and prompt diagnosis and management are important to improving ILD/pneumonitis event outcomes.

Real-time assessment of the Ganga river during pandemic COVID-19 and predictive data modeling by machine learning

In this study, four water quality parameters were reviewed at 14 stations of river Ganga in pre-, during and post-lockdown and these parameters were modeled by using different machine learning algorithms. Various mathematical models were used for the computation of water quality parameters in pre-, during and post- lockdown period by using Central Pollution Control Board real-time data. Lockdown resulted in the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranging from 55 to 92% with increased concentration of dissolved oxygen at few stations. pH was in range of 6.5-8.5 of during lockdown. Total coliform count declined during lockdown period at some stations. The modeling of oxygen saturation deficit showed supremacy of Thomas Mueller model (R2 = 0.75) during lockdown over Streeter Phelps (R2 = 0.57). Polynomial regression and Newton's Divided Difference model predicted possible values of water quality parameters till 30th June, 2020 and 07th August, 2020, respectively. It was found that predicted and real values were close to each other. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize hyperparameters of algorithms like Support Vector Regression and Radical Basis Function Neural Network, which were then employed for prediction of all examined water quality metrics. Computed values from ANN model were found close to the experimental ones (R2 = 1). Support Vector Regression-Genetic Algorithm Hybrid proved to be very effective for accurate prediction of pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen and Total coliform count during lockdown.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04423-1.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Acquired bedaquiline resistance in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan

BACKGROUND: The WHO recommends the use of bedaquiline (BDQ) in longer, as well as shorter, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) treatment regimens. However, resistance to this new drug is now emerging. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, who were treated for MDR-TB and acquired BDQ resistance during treatment.METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of routinely collected data for patients treated for MDR-TB in Karakalpakstan between January 2015 and December 2020. We included patients on BDQ-containing regimens with baseline susceptibility to BDQ who developed BDQ resistance at any point after treatment initiation. Patients resistant to BDQ at baseline or with no confirmed susceptibility to BDQ at baseline were excluded.RESULTS: Of the 523 patients who received BDQ-containing regimens during the study period, BDQ resistance was detected in 31 patients (5.9%); 20 patients were excluded-16 with no prior confirmation of BDQ susceptibility and 4 who were resistant at baseline. Eleven patients with acquired BDQ resistance were identified. We discuss demographic variables, resistance profiles, treatment-related variables and risk factors for unfavourable outcomes for these patients.CONCLUSION: Our programmatic data demonstrated the acquisition of BDQ resistance during or subsequent to receiving a BDQ-containing regimen in a patient cohort from Uzbekistan. We highlight the need for individualised treatment regimens with optimised clinical and laboratory follow up to prevent resistance acquisition.

Impact on student behavior due to Covid-19 lockdown in India

This paper aims to comprehend the change & impact on students’ behavior during the COVID-19 Lockdown in India. The research is conducted by surveying to assess the different behavioral changes due to the COVID-19 spread. Novel coronavirus pandemic started from Wuhan, China, on 31/12/19. It spread across the globe affecting 1,00 000 people within the span of two to three months. People across the globe were affected not just in terms of physical health but also mental & psychological health, resulting in major changes in their behavior. The digital questionnaire assessed the status of pupils’ mental and psychical nature while the COVID-19 lockdown was on. The questions were framed to answer how students felt about the pandemic and how it has affected their day-today life. The results of the survey revealed the measure of the anxiety level of the students. The survey results are analyzed on SPSS, and Pearson Coefficient is the method used for statistical analysis. The survey results revealed that 74.2% of the respondents favored cleaning their hands more often due to the COCID-19 pandemic. In the same way, an overwhelming number of student respondents have become aware that wearing masks is crucial to prevent the spread, and 95.9% of student respondents have favored wearing masks if they decide to step outside of their house. Student respondents are more worried about the possibility that their family members will catch the COVID-19 virus than the concern of themselves catching the virus. The student respondents showed clear signs of worry and unpredictability due to the COVID-19 spread. More than have 37.6% have responded that they are in a constant state of worry during the lockdown. The paper states varied responses from the students on the anxiety levels and that they have been experiencing high anxiety levels during the lockdown. The measurement and correlation between emotional & preventive behavior can provide viable options to reduce the outbreak and further control it.

Measurements of Proton High-Order Cumulants in sqrt[s_{NN}]=3 GeV Au+Au Collisions and Implications for the QCD Critical Point

We report cumulants of the proton multiplicity distribution from dedicated fixed-target Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV, measured by the STAR experiment in the kinematic acceptance of rapidity (y) and transverse momentum (p_{T}) within -0.5<y<0 and 0.4<p_{T}<2.0  GeV/c. In the most central 0%-5% collisions, a proton cumulant ratio is measured to be C_{4}/C_{2}=-0.85±0.09 (stat)±0.82 (syst), which is 2σ below the Poisson baseline with respect to both the statistical and systematic uncertainties. The hadronic transport UrQMD model reproduces our C_{4}/C_{2} in the measured acceptance. Compared to higher energy results and the transport model calculations, the suppression in C_{4}/C_{2} is consistent with fluctuations driven by baryon number conservation and indicates an energy regime dominated by hadronic interactions. These data imply that the QCD critical region, if created in heavy-ion collisions, could only exist at energies higher than 3 GeV.

Measurements of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H Lifetimes and Yields in Au+Au Collisions in the High Baryon Density Region

We report precision measurements of hypernuclei _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H lifetimes obtained from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV and 7.2 GeV collected by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and the first measurement of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H midrapidity yields in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=3.0  GeV. _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H, being the two simplest bound states composed of hyperons and nucleons, are cornerstones in the field of hypernuclear physics. Their lifetimes are measured to be 221±15(stat)±19(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{3}H and 218±6(stat)±13(syst)  ps for _{Λ}^{4}H. The p_{T}-integrated yields of _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H are presented in different centrality and rapidity intervals. It is observed that the shape of the rapidity distribution of _{Λ}^{4}H is different for 0%-10% and 10%-50% centrality collisions. Thermal model calculations, using the canonical ensemble for strangeness, describes the _{Λ}^{3}H yield well, while underestimating the _{Λ}^{4}H yield. Transport models, combining baryonic mean-field and coalescence (jam) or utilizing dynamical cluster formation via baryonic interactions (phqmd) for light nuclei and hypernuclei production, approximately describe the measured _{Λ}^{3}H and _{Λ}^{4}H yields. Our measurements provide means to precisely assess our understanding of the fundamental baryonic interactions with strange quarks, which can impact our understanding of more complicated systems involving hyperons, such as the interior of neutron stars or exotic hypernuclei.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta Index with a Cut-off Value of 1.0 as a Predictor for Hypotension after Induction of General Anesthesia; An observational study

Background Hypotension after induction of general anesthesia (GA) is common due to pre-existing hypovolemia and has adverse effects on organ function. Out of several methods to predict post-induction hypotension, nowadays Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta (IVC: Ao) index has been studied with different cut-off values. However, limited studies have been performed in our part of the world. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of pre-induction Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index with a cutoff value of 1.0 for predicting the occurrence of post-induction hypotension after general anesthesia in the Nepalese population. Method A total of 100 patients of ASA I and II, aged more than 18 years posted for elective surgeries under general anesthesia were enrolled in this cross-sectional, observational study. Ultrasonographic guided Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index was calculated and based on a cut-off value of 1.0, two groups were formed. Seventy patients in group A with Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index less than 1.0 and 30 patients in group B with Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index more than 1.0 were enrolled. Vitals parameters were recorded every minute for five minutes after induction of general anesthesia. Incidence of hypotension was the primary outcome. Statistical analysis was done using student t-test, ANOVA test and Chi-square test. Result Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index with cut-off value of 1.0 predicted post-induction hypotension with excellent efficacy. Total 65 patients developed post-induction hypotension, out of which 63 patients had Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index less than 1.0. Conclusion We concluded that pre-induction Inferior Vena Cava: Aorta index with cut-off value of 1.0 have high diagnostic accuracy with high degree of sensitivity and specificity to predict hypotension after induction of general anesthesia.

Probing the Gluonic Structure of the Deuteron with J/ψ Photoproduction in d+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions

Understanding gluon density distributions and how they are modified in nuclei are among the most important goals in nuclear physics. In recent years, diffractive vector meson production measured in ultraperipheral collisions (UPCs) at heavy-ion colliders has provided a new tool for probing the gluon density. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of J/ψ photoproduction off the deuteron in UPCs at the center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV in d+Au collisions. The differential cross section as a function of momentum transfer -t is measured. In addition, data with a neutron tagged in the deuteron-going zero-degree calorimeter is investigated for the first time, which is found to be consistent with the expectation of incoherent diffractive scattering at low momentum transfer. Theoretical predictions based on the color glass condensate saturation model and the leading twist approximation nuclear shadowing model are compared with the data quantitatively. A better agreement with the saturation model has been observed. With the current measurement, the results are found to be directly sensitive to the gluon density distribution of the deuteron and the deuteron breakup process, which provides insights into the nuclear gluonic structure.

Search for the Chiral Magnetic Effect via Charge-Dependent Azimuthal Correlations Relative to Spectator and Participant Planes in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The chiral magnetic effect (CME) refers to charge separation along a strong magnetic field due to imbalanced chirality of quarks in local parity and charge-parity violating domains in quantum chromodynamics. The experimental measurement of the charge separation is made difficult by the presence of a major background from elliptic azimuthal anisotropy. This background and the CME signal have different sensitivities to the spectator and participant planes, and could thus be determined by measurements with respect to these planes. We report such measurements in Au+Au collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 200 GeV at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider. It is found that the charge separation, with the flow background removed, is consistent with zero in peripheral (large impact parameter) collisions. Some indication of finite CME signals is seen in midcentral (intermediate impact parameter) collisions. Significant residual background effects may, however, still be present.

Utility of sonographic transcerebellar diameter in the assessment of gestational age in normal and intrauterine growth-retarded fetuses

Background

The fetal cerebellum has been shown to be least affected by external pressures and molding during pregnancy and therefore might provide more accurate estimation of GA.

Aims

To study the utility of transcerebellar diameter (TCD) measured by ultrasound for the detection of GA in normal and intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) fetuses.

Subjects and Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised 500 antenatal patients with a GA between 14 and 39 weeks and who were certain of their last menstrual periods. The TCD was measured ultrasonographically and the corresponding GA was determined. The GA was also determined with other customarily used sonographic parameters such as biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) and compared with TCD. Data of normal pregnancy patients was used to formulate nomograms by taking the 5^th, 50^th, and 95^th percentile measurements. TCD to AC ratio was also calculated in both normal (n = 424) and IUGR pregnancies (n = 76).

Results

TCD showed significant correlation with gestational age (GA) measured by last menstrual period (LMP) as well as with GA calculated with other biometric fetal parameters. TCD also showed significant correlation with GA in normal (R² = 0.979) as well as with IUGR pregnancies (R² = 0.942). TCD to AC ratio remained fairly constant in normal pregnancies while it was increased in IUGR pregnancies.

Conclusions

TCD and TCD/AC ratio can be employed as an objective parameter to establish the GA in normal as well as IUGR pregnancy cases.

Demographic, clinical, and service-use characteristics related to the clinician's recommendation to transition from child to adult mental health services

PURPOSE

The service configuration with distinct child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services (AMHS) may be a barrier to continuity of care. Because of a lack of transition policy, CAMHS clinicians have to decide whether and when a young person should transition to AMHS. This study describes which characteristics are associated with the clinicians' advice to continue treatment at AMHS.

METHODS

Demographic, family, clinical, treatment, and service-use characteristics of the MILESTONE cohort of 763 young people from 39 CAMHS in Europe were assessed using multi-informant and standardized assessment tools. Logistic mixed models were fitted to assess the relationship between these characteristics and clinicians' transition recommendations.

RESULTS

Young people with higher clinician-rated severity of psychopathology scores, with self- and parent-reported need for ongoing treatment, with lower everyday functional skills and without self-reported psychotic experiences were more likely to be recommended to continue treatment. Among those who had been recommended to continue treatment, young people who used psychotropic medication, who had been in CAMHS for more than a year, and for whom appropriate AMHS were available were more likely to be recommended to continue treatment at AMHS. Young people whose parents indicated a need for ongoing treatment were more likely to be recommended to stay in CAMHS.

CONCLUSION

Although the decision regarding continuity of treatment was mostly determined by a small set of clinical characteristics, the recommendation to continue treatment at AMHS was mostly affected by service-use related characteristics, such as the availability of appropriate services.

Measurement of the Sixth-Order Cumulant of Net-Proton Multiplicity Distributions in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=27, 54.4, and 200 GeV at RHIC

According to first-principle lattice QCD calculations, the transition from quark-gluon plasma to hadronic matter is a smooth crossover in the region μ_{B}≤T_{c}. In this range the ratio, C_{6}/C_{2}, of net-baryon distributions are predicted to be negative. In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the midrapidity net-proton C_{6}/C_{2} from 27, 54.4, and 200 GeV Au+Au collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). The dependence on collision centrality and kinematic acceptance in (p_{T}, y) are analyzed. While for 27 and 54.4 GeV collisions the C_{6}/C_{2} values are close to zero within uncertainties, it is observed that for 200 GeV collisions, the C_{6}/C_{2} ratio becomes progressively negative from peripheral to central collisions. Transport model calculations without critical dynamics predict mostly positive values except for the most central collisions within uncertainties. These observations seem to favor a smooth crossover in the high-energy nuclear collisions at top RHIC energy.

Catatonia in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Catatonic features can appear in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). There can be overlap in symptoms across catatonia and ASD. The overall aim of this review is to provide evidence for the presence of catatonic features in subjects with ASD.

METHODS

A systematic literature search using the Web of Science database from inception to July 10, 2021 was conducted following PRISMA, MOOSE guidelines and the PROSPERO protocol. (CRD42021248615). Twelve studies with information about catatonia and ASD were reviewed. Data from a subset was used to conduct meta-analyses of the presence of catatonia in ASD.

RESULTS

The systematic review included 12 studies, seven of which were used for the meta-analysis, comprising 969 individuals. The mean age was 21.25 (7.5) years. Two studies (16.6%) included only children and adolescents. A total of 70-100% were males. Our meta-analysis showed that 10.4% (5.8-18.0 95%CI) of individuals with ASD have catatonia. Motor disturbances were common in ASD subjects with catatonia. No differences were found in comorbidity. Several treatments have been used in ASD with catatonic features, including benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The findings of the systematic review showed that ECT might help manage catatonic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Different features of catatonia can exist in individuals with ASD and core symptoms of catatonia are reported in ASD. Longitudinal and longer-term studies are required to understand the relationship between catatonia and ASD, and the response of catatonic symptoms to treatment.

Spinal Vascular Shunts: A Patterned Approach

Spinal vascular shunts, including fistulas and malformations, are rare and complex vascular lesions for which multiple classification schemes have been proposed. The most widely adopted scheme consists of 4 types: type I, dural AVFs; type II, intramedullary glomus AVMs; type III, juvenile/metameric AVMs; and type IV, intradural perimedullary AVFs. MR imaging and angiography techniques permit detailed assessment of spinal arteriovenous shunts, though DSA is the criterion standard for delineating vascular anatomy and treatment planning. Diagnosis is almost exclusively based on imaging, and features often mimic more common pathologies. The radiologist's recognition of spinal vascular shunts may improve outcomes because patients may benefit from early intervention.

Comparative analysis of the diagnostic performance of five commercial COVID-19 qRT PCR kits used in India

To meet the unprecedented requirement of diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2, a large number of diagnostic kits were authorized by concerned authorities for diagnostic use within a short period of time during the initial phases of the ongoing pandemic. We undertook this study to evaluate the inter-test agreement and other key operational features of 5 such commercial kits that have been extensively used in India for routine diagnostic testing for COVID-19. The five commercial kits were evaluated, using a panel of positive and negative respiratory samples, considering the kit provided by National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research (2019-nCoV Kit) as the reference. The positive panel comprised of individuals who fulfilled the 3 criteria of being clinically symptomatic, having history of contact with diagnosed cases and testing positive in the reference kit. The negative panel included both healthy and disease controls, the latter being drawn from individuals diagnosed with other respiratory viral infections. The same protocol of sample collection, same RNA extraction kit and same RT-PCR instrument were used for all the kits. Clinical samples were collected from a panel of 92 cases and 60 control patients, who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The control group included equal number of healthy individuals and patients infected with other respiratory viruses (n = 30, in each group). We observed varying sensitivity and specificity among the evaluated kits, with LabGun COVID-19 RT-PCR kit showing the highest sensitivity and specificity (94% and 100% respectively), followed by TaqPath COVID-19 Combo and Allplex 2019-nCoV assays. The extent of inter-test agreement was not associated with viral loads of the samples. Poor correlation was observed between Ct values of the same genes amplified using different kits. Our findings reveal the presence of wide heterogeneity and sub-optimal inter-test agreement in the diagnostic performance of the evaluated kits and hint at the need of adopting stringent standards for fulfilling the quality assurance requirements of the COVID-19 diagnostic process.

HPV-Related Multi-Phenotypic Sinonasal Carcinoma with Aggressive Clinical Behavior; A Rare Case

Introduction/Objective

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma, previously known as HPV-related sinonasal carcinoma with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like features, is a rare type of sinonasal carcinoma with both epithelial-derived and salivary gland-type morphologic features. It is associated with high-risk HPV, but lacks MYB gene rearrangements.

Methods/Case Report

We report a case of a 59-year-old male who presented with a rapidly growing sinonasal mass. On MRI, a left nasal cavity lesion was identified growing laterally along the frontal process of the maxilla, extending into the middle meatus and into the maxillary sinus. Patient underwent a complex left medial maxillectomy, spheno- ethmoidectomy, and sinusotomy. On gross evaluation, the left inferior turbinate and sidewall demonstrated a 4 cm unremarkable turbinate with attached friable soft tissue. Microscopic examination revealed sections of carcinoma with various architectural patterns comprised of foci with adenoid cystic carcinoma-like morphology, basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The tumor showed positive immunostaining for P40, but focal reactivity to S100 and rare scattered reactivity with CD117. INI-1 immunostain was retained in tumor cells. P16 immunostain was strong and diffuse and high-risk cocktail HPV RNA ISH was positive. However, MYB FISH testing was equivocal.

Morphologic and immunophenotypic findings were consistent with HPV-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma. The tumor involved the olfactory nerve fibers requiring a skull base resection and showed extension into the dura mater.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

HPV related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma is a recently described entity that can pose significant diagnostic challenge. It typically has an indolent clinical course with potential for late recurrences. This case study highlights the potential aggressive nature of this type of sinonasal carcinoma, despite association with high-risk HPV, and use of ancillary testing in aiding diagnosis.

Utility of device-derived daily activity, a novel digital biomarker, to predict ventricular arrhythmias – data from the CERTITUDE registry

Background

While there have been prior studies showing an association between activity and outcomes, there have been no studies examining the temporal relationship between device-derived daily activity, a novel digital biomarker, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT).

Purpose

In a big dataset with over 55,000 pacemaker, ICD, and CRT devices, we aimed to identify whether changes in activity predict VT, or else VT predict changes in activity.

Methods

The CERTITUDE registry comprises a de-identified database of over 55,000 U.S. BIOTRONIK pacemaker, ICD, CRT devices, and loop recorders active on Home Monitoring®. Daily data on leads, arrhythmias, and physiological parameters such as activity are captured. Patient activity is reported daily as percentage active during the day, assessed by a one-axis accelerometer at ∼0.4 Hz frequency. Analysis to ascertain temporal changes in device-derived activity associated with treated VT was performed using the first event per device and 7-day activity windows (baseline, pre- and post-event). Baseline period was defined as 31–38 days prior to VT. VT events were categorized by heart rate (≤200 bpm,&gt;200 bpm) and treatment (shock with or without ATP, ATP alone). Differences in activity between baseline, and pre- and post-VT were analyzed using the binomial proportion test.

Results

A total of 16,475 devices (9732 ICDs, 6743 CRT-Ds) had activity data available for analysis. The cumulative follow-up duration was 18,355 years (5.6 million days with transmission). Of the 2636 VT events analyzed, 1409 had a heart rate &gt;200 bpm, and 593 were treated with shock. Patients with VT events &gt;200 bpm treated with shock had a significant reduction in activity post-VT with a median −8.7% reduction (IQR −24.6%; 7.3%, p&lt;0.001). However, there was no reduction in activity before the VT&gt;200 bpm (p=0.690) (Figure). VT events &gt;200 bpm treated with ATP alone were not associated with reduction in activity before or after the episode. Similarly, VT events ≤200 bpm treated with shock were also associated with a reduction in activity following the event (−5.8%, IQR −29.5, 12.3%, p=0.003), but not prior to the VT event.

Conclusions

In this report from the CERTITUDE registry, we have shown a temporal decline in device-derived activity following ventricular arrhythmias&gt;200 bpm and ≤200 bpm treated with a shock, but not in patients treated with ATP. Monitoring device-derived activity post-VT events with a shock could provide relevant clinical information and potentially warrant intensified treatment.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Biotronik

Model Selection for the Preclinical Development of New Drug-Radiotherapy Combinations

Radiotherapy plays an essential role in the treatment of more than half of all patients with cancer. In recent decades, advances in devices that deliver radiation and the development of treatment planning software have helped radiotherapy attain precise tumour targeting with minimal toxicity to surrounding tissues. Simultaneously, as more targeted drug therapies are being brought into the market, there has been significant interest in improving cure rates for cancer by adding drugs to radiotherapy to widen the therapeutic window, the difference between normal tissue toxicity and treatment efficacy. The development of new combination therapies will require judicious adaptation of preclinical models that are routinely used for traditional drug discovery. Here we highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each of these preclinical models and discuss how they can be used optimally to identify new and clinically beneficial drug-radiotherapy combinations.

Observation of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} Enhancement in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of charm-strange meson D_{s}^{±} production at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV from the STAR experiment. The yield ratio between strange (D_{s}^{±}) and nonstrange (D^{0}) open-charm mesons is presented and compared to model calculations. A significant enhancement, relative to a pythia simulation of p+p collisions, is observed in the D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} yield ratio in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision centralities. Model calculations incorporating abundant strange-quark production in the quark-gluon plasma and coalescence hadronization qualitatively reproduce the data. The transverse-momentum integrated yield ratio of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} at midrapidity is consistent with a prediction from a statistical hadronization model with the parameters constrained by the yields of light and strange hadrons measured at the same collision energy. These results suggest that the coalescence of charm quarks with strange quarks in the quark-gluon plasma plays an important role in D_{s}^{±}-meson production in heavy-ion collisions.