Cost-effectiveness of proton beam therapy vs. conventional radiotherapy for patients with brain tumors in Sweden: results from a non-randomized prospective multicenter study.

Background: This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of proton beam therapy (PBT) compared to conventional radiotherapy (CRT) for treating patients with brain tumors in Sweden.

Methods: Data from a longitudinal non-randomized study performed between 2015 and 2020 was used, and included adult patients with brain tumors, followed during treatment and through a one-year follow-up. Clinical and demographic data were sourced from the longitudinal study and linked to Swedish national registers to get information on healthcare resource use.

Preclinical Efficacy of VTX-0811: A Humanized First-in-Class PSGL-1 mAb Targeting TAMs to Suppress Tumor Growth.

Omnipresent suppressive myeloid populations in the tumor microenvironment limit the efficacy of T-cell-directed immunotherapies, become more inhibitory after administration of T-cell checkpoint inhibitors, and are overall associated with worse survival of cancer patients. In early clinical trials, positive outcomes have been demonstrated for therapies aimed at repolarizing suppressive myeloid populations in the tumor microenvironment. We have previously described the key role of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) in maintaining an inhibitory state of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), most of which express high levels of PSGL-1.

Altering the structures of 3D supramolecular assemblies from melamine and cyanuric acid derivatives in water.

Herein, we obtained two supramolecular assemblies with layered structures from melamine, -methylmelamine, and hexynyl-cyanuric acid in water. By combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics studies, we found that introducing one methyl group in melamine alters the arrangement of the layers in these structures.

T-cell Responses to Individualized Neoantigen Therapy mRNA-4157 (V940) Alone or in Combination with Pembrolizumab in the Phase 1 KEYNOTE-603 Study.

mRNA-4157 (V940) is an individualized neoantigen therapy targeting up to 34 patient-specific tumor neoantigens to induce T-cell responses and potentiate antitumor activity. We report mechanistic insights into the immunogenicity of mRNA-4157 via characterization of T-cell responses to neoantigens from the first-in-human, phase 1, KEYNOTE-603 study (NCT03313778) in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (Part A: 1-mg mRNA-4157, n = 4) or resected cutaneous melanoma (Part D: 1-mg mRNA-4157 + 200-mg pembrolizumab, n = 12). Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity were assessed.

Antibodies Targeting Human or Mouse VSIG4 Repolarize Tumor-Associated Macrophages Providing the Potential of Potent and Specific Clinical Anti-Tumor Response Induced across Multiple Cancer Types.

V-set immunoglobulin domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) is a B7 family protein with known roles as a C3 fragment complement receptor involved in pathogen clearance and a negative regulator of T cell activation by an undetermined mechanism. VSIG4 expression is specific for tumor-associated and select tissue-resident macrophages. Increased expression of VSIG4 has been associated with worse survival in multiple cancer indications.

The observation of π-shifts in the Little-Parks effect in 4Hb-TaS.

Finding evidence of non-trivial pairing states is one of the greatest experimental challenges in the field of unconventional superconductivity. Such evidence requires phase-sensitive probes susceptible to the internal structure of the order parameter. We report the measurement of the Little-Parks effect in the unconventional superconductor candidate 4Hb-TaS.

Economic evidence of clinical decision support systems in mental health: A systematic literature review.

Mental health conditions are among the highest disease burden on society, affecting approximately 20% of children and adolescents at any point in time, with depression and anxiety being the leading causes of disability globally. To improve treatment outcomes, healthcare organizations turned to clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) that offer patient-specific diagnoses and recommendations. However, the economic impact of CDSS is limited, especially in child and adolescent mental health.

Two-component nematic superconductivity in 4Hb-TaS.

Most superconductors have an isotropic, single component order parameter and are well described by the standard (BCS) theory for superconductivity. Unconventional, multiple-component superconductors are exceptionally rare and are much less understood. Here, we combine scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved macroscopic transport for studying the candidate chiral superconductor, 4Hb-TaS.

Individualised neoantigen therapy mRNA-4157 (V940) plus pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in resected melanoma (KEYNOTE-942): a randomised, phase 2b study.

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors are standard adjuvant treatment for stage IIB-IV resected melanoma, but many patients recur. Our study aimed to evaluate whether mRNA-4157 (V940), a novel mRNA-based individualised neoantigen therapy, combined with pembrolizumab, improved recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in resected high-risk melanoma.

Methods: We did an open-label, randomised, phase 2b, adjuvant study of mRNA-4157 plus pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients, enrolled from sites in the USA and Australia, with completely resected high-risk cutaneous melanoma.

Enhanced healing of wounds that responded poorly to silver dressing by copper wound dressings: Prospective single arm treatment study.

Background And Aims: Dressings containing silver ions are an accepted and common option for wound treatment. However, some wounds fail to heal at the desired rate despite optimal management. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of copper dressings in noninfected wounds.

Partnering for change (P4C) in Sweden- a study protocol of a collaborative school-based service delivery model to create inclusive learning environments.

Background: Inclusive learning environments are considered as crucial for children's engagement with learning and participation in school. Partnering for change (P4C) is a collaborative school-based service delivery model where services are provided at three levels of intensity based on children's needs (class, group-, individual interventions). Interventions in P4C are provided universally to support all children with learning, not only children with special education needs (SEN), and as such are expected to be health-promoting.

First-order quantum phase transition in the hybrid metal-Mott insulator transition metal dichalcogenide 4Hb-TaS.

Coupling together distinct correlated and topologically nontrivial electronic phases of matter can potentially induce novel electronic orders and phase transitions among them. Transition metal dichalcogenide compounds serve as a bedrock for exploration of such hybrid systems. They host a variety of exotic electronic phases, and their Van der Waals nature enables to admix them, either by exfoliation and stacking or by stoichiometric growth, and thereby induce novel correlated complexes.

Validation of the Swedish version of the safe environment for every kid (SEEK) parent screening questionnaire.

Background: Psychosocial risk factors in the home may impair children's health and development and increase the risk of maltreatment. The Safe Environment for Every Kid (SEEK) model was developed to provide pediatric primary care professionals with a structured way to identify common psychosocial problems. The SEEK model includes use of the Parent Screening Questionnaire (SEEK-PSQ) at routine preventive child health visits, discussion with parents about their responses and, when indicated, referral to relevant services.

PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages.

Unlabelled: The immune suppressive microenvironment is a major culprit for difficult-to-treat solid cancers. Particularly, inhibitory tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) define the resistant nature of the tumor milieu. To define tumor-enabling mechanisms of TAMs, we analyzed molecular clinical datasets correlating cell surface receptors with the TAM infiltrate.

The battle for mental well-being in Ukraine: mental health crisis and economic aspects of mental health services in wartime.

The ongoing war in Ukraine is having profound impacts on both the local and global economy, as well as the infrastructure and overall well-being of the people. The prolonged duration of the conflict, coupled with its many related consequences such as total uncertainty, unfavorable economic conditions, and a distressing media backdrop, have a lasting impact on the mental health of the population. The ongoing war in Ukraine has exposed weaknesses in the national mental health care system and underscored the importance of mental health economics.

Eliciting a value set for the Swedish Capability-Adjusted Life Years instrument (CALY-SWE).

Purpose: Our aim was to elicit a value set for Capability-Adjusted Life Years Sweden (CALY-SWE); a capability-grounded quality of life instrument intended for use in economic evaluations of social interventions with broad consequences beyond health.

Methods: Building on methods commonly used in the quality-adjusted life years EQ-5D context, we collected time-trade off (TTO) and discrete choice experiment (DCE) data through an online survey from a general population sample of 1697 Swedish participants. We assessed data quality using a score based on the severity of inconsistencies.

The cost-effectiveness of a virtual intervention to prevent eating disorders in young women in Sweden.

Objective: To determine the cost-effectiveness of a virtual version of the Body Project (vBP), a cognitive dissonance-based program, to prevent eating disorders (ED) among young women with a subjective sense of body dissatisfaction in the Swedish context.

Method: A decision tree combined with a Markov model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of the vBP in a clinical trial population of 149 young women (mean age 17 years) with body image concerns. Treatment effect was modeled using data from a trial investigating the effects of vBP compared to expressive writing (EW) and a do-nothing alternative.

Hyperuricemia and Adverse Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 Disease.

Hyperuricemia is associated with several risk factors for mortality and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifestations. The objective of this research was to examine whether hyperuricemia is a risk factor for mortality and other adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. This is a retrospective review of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 15 and November 30, 2020, with available uric acid (UA) levels.

Differentiating between severe hypertension and thrombocytopenic purpura as the cause of thrombotic microangiopathy in a patient with Castleman disease: a case report and literature review.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a syndrome characterized by thrombosis in capillaries and arterioles, resulting in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and target organ injury. In TMA presenting with severe hypertension, it is difficult to determine whether the TMA is primary and due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or secondary to severe hypertension. The response to antihypertensive medication favors the diagnosis of severe hypertension as the cause of TMA.

Should Nicotine Replacement Therapy be Provided Free of Charge? A Cost-Utility Analysis in Sweden.

Introduction: Treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during an attempt to quit smoking increases the likelihood of success by about 55%. However, out-of-pocket payment for NRT can hinder its use.

Aims And Methods: This study aims therefore to assess the cost-effectiveness of subsidizing NRT in Sweden.

Is Demodex Blepharitis Connected With Cataract Surgery?

Purpose: To determine whether there is an increased incidence of Demodex of the eyelashes among patients after cataract extraction surgery.

Design: Prospective, noncomparative clinical study.

Methods: A cohort of patients who underwent cataract extraction surgery had several eyelashes removed preoperatively that were examined independently by the hospital laboratory for the presence of the Demodex mite.

Health and economic outcomes of a universal early intervention for parents and children from birth to age five: evaluation of the Salut Programme using a natural experiment.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the health and economic outcomes of a universal early intervention for parents and children, the Salut Programme, from birth to when the child completed five years of age.

Methods: This study adopted a retrospective observational design using routinely collected linked register data with respect to both exposures and outcomes from Västerbotten county, in northern Sweden. Making use of a natural experiment, areas that received care-as-usual (non-Salut area) were compared to areas where the Programme was implemented after 2006 (Salut area) in terms of: (i) health outcomes, healthcare resource use and costs around pregnancy, delivery and birth, and (ii) healthcare resource use and related costs, as well as costs of care of sick child.