Response Evaluation Research Articles

HER2-low non-metastatic breast cancer in Qatar-a nationwide retrospective cohort study to evaluate the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a real-world analysis.

Globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women. HER2-low breast cancer represents a recently identified molecular category within breast cancer characterized by tumors displaying only slight overexpression of HER2 or lacking gene amplification. To illustrate, HER2-low tumors typically have an IHC (immune histochemistry) score of 1+ or 2+ with negative amplification. Nonetheless, recent findings indicate that even a slight amplification of HER2 could notably influence both therapeutic responses and prognostic outcomes. Our study aims to unveil the impact of HER2-low expression on the response to anthracycline and taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in comparison to the HER2-negative group in non-metastatic breast cancer. This is a retrospective cohort study. All patients' profiles with non-metastatic, HER2-low, and HER2-negative breast cancers who were administered neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and had surgery performed within the period spanning from 1 January 2018 to 30 August 2022 were enrolled. HER2-positive breast cancer patients were excluded. The evaluation of patients' responses was conducted through the examination of surgical pathology reports to compare the two study groups (HER2-low and HER2-negative). The primary objective was evaluating the response to NACT comparing the objective response rate (ORR) in each of the two groups of HER2-low and HER2-negative patients. The total number of patients included was 262 patients; the majority were HER2-low 89% (233/262) vs. 11% (29/262) HER2-negative. An ORR (complete and partial response) to NACT was shown in 71% (185/262) of all patients. The ORR was similar in both groups, 70% (164/233) in the HER2-low group vs. 73% (21/29) in the HER2-negative group, with a statistical difference, OR: 1 (95% CI: 0.8-1), p-value 0.8. Similarly, the pathological complete response (pCR) rate was the same in both study groups at 14%, OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.2-3), p-value: 0.6. Interestingly, patients with hormone-positive tumors across both study groups had a higher response rate compared to hormone-negative patients. In the HER2-low cohort, the ORR was higher in patients with hormone-positive tumors in comparison with those with hormone-negative tumors [73% vs. 27%, OR: 0.8 (95% CI:0.8-1), p-value: 0.001]. Comparatively, in the HER2-negative cohort, ORR was also higher in patients with hormone-positive tumors compared to hormone-negative tumors [52% vs. 48%, OR: 2 (95% CI: 1-5), p-value: 0.05]. Subsequently, the ORR of all hormone-positive tumors with a positive outcome (CR or PR) was assessed categorizing the patients based on their HER2 expression. Concerning patients who expressed partial response (N = 115), a statistically significant difference was observed in HER2- low hormone-positive tumors as opposed to HER2-negative hormone-positive tumors [90% vs. 10%, OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5-0.9), p-value: 0.001]. Remarkably, all patients with complete responses were from the HER2-low cohort. Our findings demonstrated a significant influence of HER2-low expression on the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy among patients with hormone-positive HER2-low breast cancer within the studied cohort. Further studies are needed to evaluate the influence of hormonal expression on the response rate to NACT in the HER2-low patients in our population.

Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab Combination Therapy Who Achieved Complete Response.

To investigate the characteristics and prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atz/Bev) who achieved a complete response (CR) according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST). A total of 120 patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS) 0 or 1 and Child-Pugh A at the start of Atz/Bev treatment were included. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C was recorded in 59 patients. The CR rate with Atz/Bev alone was 15.0%. The median time to CR was 3.4 months, and the median duration of CR was 15.6 months. A significant factor associated with achieving CR with Atz/Bev alone was an AFP ratio of 0.34 or less at 3 weeks. Adding transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the six patients who achieved a partial response increased the overall CR rate to 20%. Among the 24 patients who achieved CR, the median progression-free survival was 19.3 months, the median overall survival was not reached, and 14 patients (58.3%) were able to discontinue Atz/Bev and achieve a drug-free status. Twelve of these patients developed progressive disease (PD), but eleven successfully received post-PD treatments and responded well. Achieving CR by mRECIST using Atz/Bev alone or with additional TACE can be expected to offer an extremely favorable prognosis.

Dose escalation with stereotactic body radiotherapy for cervical cancer treatment

BackgroundDose escalation with brachytherapy after pelvic irradiation is standard for treating cervical cancer. Its application can be impossible for some patients. Dose escalation with SBRT is widely used with high local control and acceptable toxicity rates in different body parts. The study enrolled patients who underwent SBRT treatment for dose escalation in the cervix.MethodsPatients who were pathologically diagnosed and treated with cervical SBRT after definitive CRT were included in the study. A total of 30 Gy in 5 fractions for the high-risk volume was prescribed. The first response evaluation was performed three months after the completion of treatment. Treatment toxicity was documented according to the RTOG-EORTC scale. Oncological outcomes and toxicity were assessed.ResultsBetween 02.2019 and 05.2023, 40 patients were treated with an SBRT boost after pelvic irradiation. The median follow-up time was 16 months (7–44 months). The median HR CTV was 47 cc (8,3-168,2 cc). There were 39 patients who achieved a complete response and one who achieved a partial response in the third month after treatment. There were two local or two regional recurrences. The 1-year metastasis-free survival was 88%, and the 1-year progression-free survival was 88%. During the follow-up period, one grade 3 gastrointestinal side effect was observed.ConclusionsSBRT which has low toxicity and reasonable locoregional control rates in a short follow-up period, may be an option for dose escalation in brachytherapy-ineligible cervical cancer patients.

Innovative interiors: an evaluation of guest perceptions and booking responses to robotic furniture in hotel rooms

PurposeThis paper examines guest perceptions and booking responses to robotic furniture in hotel rooms, addressing a gap in existing research on in-room technology in the hospitality industry.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing an extended technology acceptance model, the study examines the impact of aesthetics, functionality and symbolism on guests’ booking intentions. Data were collected through an online survey of 426 participants, employing structural equation modeling for analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that hotel guests value the potential benefits of robotic furniture more than its mere functional aspect and may be inclined to appreciate it when it translates to tangible benefits and is easy to interact with. Additionally, the aesthetics and symbolic value of the furniture play a crucial role in shaping guests’ perceptions and booking intentions.Practical implicationsThis study advises hoteliers to prioritize intuitive, user-friendly robotic furniture that offers clear benefits like convenience and comfort to boost booking intentions. Marketing should emphasize these practical advantages rather than focusing solely on innovation. Although secondary, aesthetics should still align with the room’s design. The symbolic value of robotic furniture should reflect the hotel’s brand identity, enhancing its appeal to target markets.Originality/valueThis study expands the application of the technology acceptance model in the context of hotel room design and technology adoption and provides academics and hoteliers with useful insights into integrating innovative technologies in hotel rooms.

Preparing the Laboratory for Neoadjuvant Cancer Immunotherapy: Insights from a Pathology Learning Collaborative

Abstract Introduction/Objective Neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NIT) is an emerging strategy to treat multiple types of early- stage resectable cancers by inducing a systemic anti-tumor immune response and increasing the likelihood of complete pathological response (pCR). The evaluation of pathological response following NIT is challenging and requires specific expertise. Traditional response criteria may be difficult to apply since immunotherapy may lead to unique changes in the tumor bed. Moreover, many laboratories may not feel prepared to evaluate pathologic response following immunotherapy given their lack of experience and the time required to accurately assess specimens and report findings. Methods/Case Report To explore ways to help laboratories prepare for these challenges, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) formed an immuno-oncology learning collaborative to engage pathologists from different institutions and subspecialties. The group met over six months to review and discuss the implications of relevant literature, guideline recommendations, and emerging trends such as tumor-specific recommendations (eg, IASLC Neoadjuvant Therapy Pathologic Response Initiative) to pan-tumor immune-related pathologic response criteria (irPRC). ASCP then developed a series of educational resources based on recommendations made by the group. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Members of the ASCP learning collaborative identified and prioritized several topics to help laboratories prepare and equip their teams to perform pathologic assessment after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in routine clinical practice. These included: definition and classification of pathological response criteria, assessing unique changes in the tumor bed (ie, regression bed), interpreting data from clinical trials, reporting results in routine clinical practice, organizing educational resources, and staffing workload. The group also emphasized the importance of collaborating with oncologists and surgeons and promoting communication about these topics within each institution. Conclusion Based on promising results from neoadjuvant immunotherapy clinical trials, we can expect more FDA approvals for neoadjuvant indications and a growing number of patients receiving this treatment. Pathologists and laboratory professionals need to prepare their institutions for a future where the assessment of pathological response in routine clinical practice will impact treatment decisions following surgical resection.

Association of PD-L1 immunoexpression with tumor grade in colorectal adenocarcinoma

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, and in emerging countries, its prevalence is continuously increasing. With all the advancements in surgery and treatment, the outlook for CRC patients is still not good. Even with the use of standard prognostic markers, there are presently no effective prognostic techniques for colorectal cancer. The long-term survival of many malignancies has been significantly enhanced by immune checkpoint blockades (ICB), suggesting that the immune checkpoint mechanism is crucial in inhibiting tumor-specific immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. By inhibiting T effector cell activity, the "PD-1 (programmed cell death-1)"/PD-L1 (programmed cell death-ligand 1) axis contributes significantly to immune suppression control and allows tumor cells to evade the host's anti-tumor immune surveillance. While early study suggested that immunotherapy was not relevant for patients with colorectal cancer, more recent studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy was beneficial for a certain subset of patients. This suggests that the prognosis prediction of colorectal cancer may benefit from a thorough evaluation of the local immune response. This study set out to assess the association between PD-L1 immunoexpression and tumor grade in CRC. : This was a cross-sectional observational study. Paraffin blocks of total 64 cases were selected from the patients who were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma from resected samples received in the department of pathology at BSMMU from July 2021 to June 2023. Immuno-histochemical staining for PD-L1 was performed using 28-8 clone along with appropriate positive control. In this study, PD-L1 immuno-expression was found in 14(21.9%) out of 64 cases. However, no expression was found in rest of the 50 (78.1%) cases. This study showed association of PD-L1 expression with high grade (Grade-3) tumors. : Evaluation of expression of PD-L1 may emerge as a new marker and target for the immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Diagnostic Value of sLR11 and sIL-2R in the Cerebrospinal Fluid for Malignant Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Objective We previously reported that patients with acute leukemia and malignant lymphoma (ML) demonstrated significantly increased serum soluble LR11 (sLR11) levels compared to normal controls. Accurately diagnosing ML of the central nervous system (CNS ML) using cytology is frequently difficult. Therefore, we evaluated the use of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sLR11 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) as diagnostic and treatment response markers for CNS ML. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the CSF results for CNS ML using clinical data at our institution, and then analyzed the usefulness of sLR11 and sIL-2R in CSF for both the diagnosis and as surrogate markers that reflect the therapeutic effect. Patients We enrolled patients with CNS ML who received intrathecal anticancer drugs between 2017 and 2023. We analyzed the sLR11 and sIL-2R levels in CSF and cytological malignant grades. We studied 22 patients, including 17 with central nervous system (CNS) clinical conditions and five who received prevention treatment. Results The CSF sLR11 levels were significantly and positively correlated with CSF sIL-2R levels. The CSF sLR11 and sIL-2R levels in patients with CNS ML were significantly higher than those in the prevention group. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the cut-off value of sLR11 for CNS invasion to be 21.7 ng/mL. Moreover, the chemotherapy-responder group demonstrated significantly decreased CSF sLR11 and sIL-2R levels after treatment. Conclusion CSF sLR11 and sIL-2R of CSF were found to be useful biomarkers for the diagnostic and treatment response evaluation in patients with CNS ML.

Association of Antibody Responses to Helicobacter pylori Proteins with Colorectal Adenoma and Colorectal Cancer.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been implicated in colorectal carcinogenesis. Here, the association of immune responses to bacterial exposure with advancing stages of colorectal neoplasia was assessed by multiplex serology. Immunoglobulin (Ig) A and G antibody responses to thirteen proteins of H. pylori were measured by a Luminex-based multiplex assay in plasma from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC, n = 25), advanced adenoma (n = 82), or small polyps (n = 85) and controls (n = 100). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of bacterial seropositivity with colorectal neoplasia. The threshold for overall seropositivity required subjects to be positive for at least 4 out of the 13 tested antigens. In a cohort subset with matched data (n = 34), H. pylori seropositivity was correlated with bacterial abundance in both neoplastic and matched normal tissue. While no association was found between H. pylori seropositivity and the presence of CRC, IgA seropositivity to CagA was associated with a decreased risk of advanced adenoma (odds ratio, OR = 0.48, 95% confidence intervals, CIs: 0.24-0.96). Regarding IgG, higher antibody responses to HpaA was associated with advanced adenoma occurrence (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.00-6.01), while responses to HP0395, CagA and Catalase were associated with polyp development (OR = 2.65, 95%, CI: 1.31-5.36, OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.01-3.32, and OR = 2.16, CI: 1.09-4.29, respectively). Positive correlations were found between H. pylori abundance in the normal mucosa and levels of both the IgA and IgG antibody response to Catalase and VacA antigens (r = 0.48, p < 0.01; r = 0.37, p = 0.04; r = 0.51, p < 0.01; and r = 0.71, p = 0.04, respectively). Conversely, H. pylori abundance was negatively correlated with levels of IgA antibody response to HpaA and with IgG antibody response to HP0231 in the diseased tissue (r = -0.34, p = 0.04 and r = -0.41, p = 0.01, respectively). The association between levels of H. pylori antigens and colorectal neoplasia risk gradually decreased with the adenoma progression, implicating the early activation of the immune response at the polyp stage. Thus, the evaluation of antibody response to certain bacterial antigens may indicate the presence of early-stage colorectal neoplasia. Further studies are needed to clarify the role H. pylori or the immune response to its antigens may have in colorectal carcinogenesis stages.

Evaluation of the hydrogeological response to neotectonics of the Quequén Grande River Watershed using geoelectrical methods

The Quequén Grande River Watershed (Southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) is a strong asymmetrical watershed in the Pampean Plain. It is marked by the stream capture of the Quequén Grande River eastward. The topographic slopes and hydraulic gradients are typically low in this area, with streams and rivers primarily effluent along their courses. This behavior is attributable to the influence of the unconfined and shallow Pampean aquifer, which serves as the region's main source of water supply. In the southwestern limit of this drainage basin, several shallow lakes, disconnected from the surface drainage network and related to an old deflation/accumulation relief, occur over hillock formations. In this area, Paleozoic rocks crop out and constitute the hydrological basement of the aquifer. The bedrock architecture of this formation could explain the stream piracy of the Quequén Grande River eastward and the local geomorphology, where structural lineaments related to neotectonic movements have been reported. However, there is a lack of information related to the hydrological basement in depth, which is needed to understand the surface water dynamics of this drainage basin, linked to the topographic control of the landscape. To fill this gap, a geoelectric model of the hydrological basement is proposed from 37 Vertical Electrical Soundings and 6 Electric Resistivity Tomographies, aiming to contribute to understanding this portion of the Earth's crust. Geoelectrical surveys were performed over 3000 km2 of the southwestern limit of the Quequén Grande River Watershed. Results obtained and field observations suggest the deviation of the Quequén Grande River catchment eastward is caused by the hydrogeological basement structure in depth, in response to neotectonic movements inferred by structural lineaments.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted debittering of Ganoderma lucidum using response surface methodology, characterization, and evaluation of antioxidant activity.

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has gained increasing attention as a potential health care product and food source. However, the bitter taste of G. lucidum has limited its development and utilization for the food industry. The response surface methodology was employed to optimize the inclusion conditions for the debittering of G. lucidum. The effects of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin concentration (12-14 g/mL), ultrasound temperature (20-40°C and host-guest ratio (1:1-2:1) on response variables were studied. The physical characteristics of inclusion complexes prepared through spray drying and freeze drying were analyzed. The antioxidant activity of the different treated samples was subsequently investigated. Study results showed that, in comparison to the control group, the inclusion solution displayed a significantly enhanced taste profile under optimal processing conditions, exhibiting an 80.74% reduction in bitterness value. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies indicated the successful formation of inclusion compounds. The moisture content and bulk density of spray-dried powder were found to be significantly superior to those of freeze-dried powder (p<0.05). In comparison to the diluted solution, the inclusion liquid demonstrated a 20.27%, 30.01% and 36.55% increase in ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydroxyl radical scavenging and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging respectively. Further, the DPPH clearance of microencapsulated powder was not significantly different from that of tocopherol at a concentration of 25 mg/mL. In summary, the study provides theoretical basis and methodological guidance to eliminate the bitterness of G. lucidum, and therefore provide potential options to the use of G. lucidum as a food source.

Evaluation of the Immunological Response of Local and Imported Vaccines of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus in Cattle as Preventive Step

Evaluation of the Immunological Response of Local and Imported Vaccines of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus in Cattle as Preventive Step

Berberine alleviates cerebellar damage in global cerebral ischemia: A comprehensive study with stereological analysis, evaluation of the antioxidant response, and locomotor function in rat models

AbstractBackgroundGlobal cerebral ischemia (GCI) leads to significant oxidative damage in the cerebellum, mainly affecting Purkinje cells. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of berberine chloride (BBR), a compound known for its antioxidant properties against GCI.Materials and methodsFourty‐two adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham, GCI, and GCI + BBR. Rats received BBR (50 mg/kg) seven days before and six hours after inducing GCI via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 20 min. They were assessed for locomotor activity by the open‐field test, the cerebellar biochemical factors malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cerebellum volume and Purkinje neuron count by stereological analysis.ResultsThe BBR treatment reduced the concentration of MDA and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx in the GCI + BBR group compared to the GCI group. Stereological analysis revealed higher Purkinje cell count, cerebellum, white matter, and gray matter volume in the GCI + BBR group compared to the GCI group. Furthermore, GCI + BBR showed enhanced locomotor function compared to the GCI group.ConclusionBBR showed therapeutic benefits and improved locomotor function. It demonstrated antioxidative effects by lowering MDA levels, boosting enzymatic activities, and significantly mitigating Purkinje cell death and cerebellar volume loss.

How shallow CO2 hydrate cap affects depressurization production in deeper natural gas hydrate reservoirs: An example at Site W17, South China Sea

The logging results from the Shenhu Sea show that the P-T conditions of NGH deposits are below the CO2 hydrate phase equilibrium curve. The burial depth difference between the CO2 hydrate stable zone and NGH deposits is usually above 100 m, which differs from the laboratory scale. Thus, whether CO2 hydrate caps can provide pore sealing and reinforcement of natural gas hydrate (NGH) overburden at the engineering scale is unknown. Based on this, we aimed to perfect research on the CO2 hydrate cap, including its formation process, effects on NGH exploitation, geomechanical response, and comprehensive benefit evaluation, by establishing a THMC model based on Site W17. Results indicate that (i) CO2 can form hydrates in the overburden layer with a conversion rate of about 28%, preventing the upward escape of residual liquid CO2 due to density difference. (ii) CO2 injection and CO2 hydrate cap formation can increase the decomposition driving force during depressurization to enhance production, but it fails to inhibit water invasion from the upper part of the NGH deposit due to the excessive depth difference. (iii) The CO2 hydrate cap causes strata uplift, thereby mitigating strata subsidence during depressurization production, especially for the cases of horizontal wells, where the subsidence is reduced by about 103.4%. (iv) Injecting too much CO2 may not benefit gas production, where part of the free gas will convert into NGH due to pressure rise. The optimal injection rate in this study is 40,000 m3/d. (v) Indicators like CO2 hydrate conversion rate, gas-water ratio, and maximum strata displacement show that horizontal well systems with CO2 hydrate caps are more beneficial than vertical well systems, and multi-branched well systems are more beneficial than single-direction well systems. These key findings may differ from the laboratory scale, which can provide a reference for applying CO2 hydrate caps in actual NGH exploitation.

EXPRESSION OF CONCERN: A small molecule, LLL12 inhibits constitutive STAT3 and IL-6-induced STAT3 signaling and exhibits potent growth suppressive activity in human multiple myeloma cells.

Expression of Concern: H. Wang, B. Wang, Q. Liao, H. An, W. Li, X. Jin, S. Cui, and L. Zhao, "Overexpression of RhoGDI, a novel predictor of distant metastasis, promotes cell proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma," FEBS Letters 588, no. 3 (2014): 503-508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.016. This Expression of Concern is for the above article, published online on 24 December 2013, in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), and has been issued by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief Michael Brunner; FEBS Press; and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The Expression of Concern has been agreed due to concerns raised by a third party regarding the similarity of beta-actin blots in Fig. 3A between the HepG2 and the MHCC-97H lanes. The authors responded to an inquiry by the publisher and supplied what was labelled as original data. However, following an evaluation of the authors' response by FEBS and the editors, Wiley and the journal have determined that they are unable to verify if the files provided by the authors correspond to the research described in the article. The journal is issuing this Expression of Concern because the results of the experiment as presented cannot be confirmed. The authors do not agree with the expression of concern.

Evaluation of wind-induced response of high-rise structure with TMD system by real-time hybrid simulation test with motor-driven shaking table

Due to the difficulty in constructing the small-scaled model of tuned mass damper (TMD) system to meet the requirement of dynamic similarity law, it is hard to evaluate the vibration control effect of passive TMD system on the wind-induced response of high-rise structure by wind tunnel test. The Real-Time Hybrid Simulation (RTHS) test could provide a suitable solution to this problem by increasing the size of the scaled TMD model to overcome the limitation in dynamic similarity law. A RTHS test system with a linear electric motor-driven shaking table was developed by the interface with model interface toolkit in general real time system operating environment. Taking the Guangzhou New TV Tower with a passive TMD system as an example, the Finite Element (FE) model of Guangzhou New TV Tower was selected as the numerical substructure and TMD system was selected as the experimental substructure, the RTHS test was conducted at a sampling frequency of 250 Hz to estimate the wind-induced response of this high-rise structure with a TMD system in various dynamic wind loading cases. To reduce the time delay effect generated by the nonlinear interaction between motion control system and experimental substructure, the adaptive time series (ATS) compensator for time delay compensation was proposed in the RTHS test. The RTHS results were also compared with the numerical simulation results using the FE model of the investigated object. The RTHS test with additional ATS time delay compensator can obtain more accurate experimental results. The effectiveness of the proposed RTHS test system was testified to be powerful test system to evaluate the wind-induced response of high-rise structures with complex passive TMD system.

Factors Influencing Public Donation Intention during Major Public Health Emergencies and Their Interactions: Evidence from China.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health emergency that has caused significant global devastation. However, it has also fostered unprecedented worldwide solidarity. During this crisis, we have witnessed large-scale donations and assistance both domestically and internationally. In the face of such extensive public engagement, understanding the driving factors behind public donations is crucial in responding to future global shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study proposes an analytical framework and examines the factors influencing public donation intention during major public health emergencies and their interactions. Based on the online and telephone survey data of 11,682 responses collected in China during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, this study employs multiple logistic regression and moderation effect models to analyze these influencing factors and their interactions on public donation intention. The findings reveal a remarkably high level of public engagement, with 79% of respondents expressing donation intention. Further analysis indicates that the hardship level caused by the pandemic, degree of risk perception, community material support, and evaluation of the pandemic response all have a significant and positive impact on public donation intention. Moreover, the evaluation of the pandemic response and community material support significantly and positively moderate the impact of the hardship level caused by the pandemic and degree of risk perception on public donation intention, respectively. This study provides valuable guidance for governments and organizations worldwide. It is helpful for enriching crisis management theory and improving crisis response mechanisms.

Evaluation of the phase-specific antibody response in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) after two doses of an inactivated phase I Coxiella burnetii vaccine

The control and management of Q fever outbreaks in ruminants are currently based on vaccination. Although buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are intensively farmed in several countries and represent a reservoir for Coxiellosis, no evidence has been described regarding the efficacy of vaccination in this species. This work aimed to evaluate the humoral response, using appropriate phase-specific ELISAs, and the effects on abortion rate in buffalo by a field study. A total of 15 seropositive and 20 seronegative animals were vaccinated twice, three weeks apart, with a commercial phase I vaccine, and phase-specific antibodies were determined in the course of vaccination. Although anti-phase II antibody reactivity predominated after vaccination compared to phase I, both anti-phase I- and -phase II-antibody-reactivity significantly increased after the first (p = 0.001) and again after the second vaccination (p = 0.05). Seroconversion did not significantly depend on age or natural infection status. Once the vaccination cycle was completed, the herd study observed a reduced rate of abortion and placenta retention. Our data demonstrated that the vaccine principally induced a similar antibody response as in goats and sheep. These preliminary data appeared to support vaccination in buffalo, even in seropositive animals, although further studies are needed to better define the dynamics concerning seroconversion in this species.

Durvalumab after Chemoradiotherapy in Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Adjuvant therapy with durvalumab, with or without tremelimumab, may have efficacy in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer who do not have disease progression after standard concurrent platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. In a phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned patients to receive durvalumab at a dose of 1500 mg, durvalumab (1500 mg) plus tremelimumab at a dose of 75 mg (four doses only), or placebo every 4 weeks for up to 24 months. Randomization was stratified according to disease stage (I or II vs. III) and receipt of prophylactic cranial irradiation (yes vs. no). Results of the first planned interim analysis of the two primary end points of overall survival and progression-free survival (assessed on the basis of blinded independent central review according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1) with durvalumab as compared with placebo (data cutoff date, January 15, 2024) are reported; results in the durvalumab-tremelimumab group remain blinded. A total of 264 patients were assigned to the durvalumab group, 200 to the durvalumab-tremelimumab group, and 266 to the placebo group. Durvalumab therapy led to significantly longer overall survival than placebo (median, 55.9 months [95% confidence interval {CI}, 37.3 to not reached] vs. 33.4 months [95% CI, 25.5 to 39.9]; hazard ratio for death, 0.73; 98.321% CI, 0.54 to 0.98; P = 0.01), as well as to significantly longer progression-free survival (median 16.6 months [95% CI, 10.2 to 28.2] vs. 9.2 months [95% CI, 7.4 to 12.9]; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.76; 97.195% CI, 0.59 to 0.98; P = 0.02). The incidence of adverse events with a maximum grade of 3 or 4 was 24.4% among patients receiving durvalumab and 24.2% among patients receiving placebo; adverse events led to discontinuation in 16.4% and 10.6% of the patients, respectively, and led to death in 2.7% and 1.9%. Pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis with a maximum grade of 3 or 4 occurred in 3.1% of the patients in the durvalumab group and in 2.6% of those in the placebo group. Adjuvant therapy with durvalumab led to significantly longer overall survival and progression-free survival than placebo among patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer. (Funded by AstraZeneca; ADRIATIC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03703297.).

Study on Hydroelastic Responses of Membrane-Type LNG Cargo Containment Structure under Impulsive Sloshing Loads of Different Media

Owing to the increasing g lobal demand for natural gas, the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers has become a key trend in the shipbuilding market. In the design of membrane-type LNG carriers, a sloshing analysis is crucial for cargo containment systems (CCSs). In this study, structural responses due to impulsive sloshing loads were observed, including the effects of hydroelasticity and the test medium. To this end, the structural responses were first observed with and without hydroelastic coupling between the liquid and structure. When fluid–structure coupling is considered, a finite element analysis is performed for the integrated structure of the hull and CCS. This method was then applied to evaluate the capacity and safety of the inner hull structures of actual LNG vessels in cases where different sloshing pressures occurred owing to the different liquid–gas media. The structural capacity was evaluated using the utilization factor (UT). The results confirm that the effects of the hydroelasticity, density ratio, and phase transition of the experimental medium are essential for the evaluation of the structural responses of LNG CCSs.

Envafolimab plus lenvatinib and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective, single-arm, phase II study

Evidences regarding the feasibility of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)-based therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TACE combined with envafolimab and lenvatinib for uHCC. Eligible patients with uHCC received envafolimab and lenvatinib after TACE until disease progression, conversion to surgery, intolerable toxicities, or death. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) assessed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria. Between March 2022 and July 2022, 38 patients were included for safety analysis, and 36 patients were included for efficacy analysis. As of the data cutoff (13 December 2023), the median follow-up was 16.9 months. The ORR was 50%, and disease control rate (DCR) was 83.3% per RECIST 1.1 (ORR and DCR of both 83.3% per modified RECIST (mRECIST)). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.58 months. Of 36 patients, 17 patients were converted to resectable HCC with a surgical conversion rate of 47.2%, and 16 patients underwent surgery with R0 resection rate of 100%, pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 31.3%. Overall incidences of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of any grade was 97.4%. Grade ≥ 3 TRAEs were observed in 52.6% patients. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Image mass cytometry (IMC) analysis revealed that combined treatment improved the immune status of the tumor microenvironment, and resident macrophages had the potential to predict efficacy of this treatment. Envafolimab plus lenvatinib and TACE yielded promising survival outcomes and conversion efficiency with a tolerable safety profile. Trial registration Clinical trials: NCT05213221.