[Special issue PRO] A demonstration of estimands and sensitivity analyses for time-to-deterioration of patient reported outcomes.

In oncology trials, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), specifically patient-reported symptom burden and functional status, can support the interpretation of survival endpoints, such as progression-free survival. However, applying time-to-event endpoints to patient-reported outcomes (PRO) data is challenging. For example, in time-to-deterioration analyses clinical events such as disease progression are common in many settings and are often handled through censoring the patient at the time of occurrence; however, disease progression and HRQoL are often related leading to informative censoring.

Optimizing non-Newtonian fluids for impact protection of laminates.

Non-Newtonian fluids can be used for the protection of flexible laminates. Understanding the coupling between the flow of the protecting fluid and the deformation of the protected solids is necessary in order to optimize this functionality. We present a scaling analysis of the problem based on a single coupling variable, the effective width of a squeeze flow between flat rigid plates, and predict that impact protection for laminates is optimized by using shear-thinning, and not shear-thickening, fluids.

A Comparison of Generic and Condition-Specific Preference-Based Measures Using Data From Nivolumab Trials: EQ-5D-3L, Mapping to the EQ-5D-5L, and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 Dimensions.

Objectives: There is growing interest in condition-specific preference measures, including the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 Dimensions (QLU-C10D). This research assessed the implications of using utility indices on the basis of the EQ-5D-3L, a mapping of EQ-5D-3L to the EQ-5D-5L, and the QLU-C10D, and compared their psychometric properties.

Methods: Data were taken from 8 phase 3 randomized controlled trials of nivolumab with or without ipilimumab for the treatment of solid tumors.

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with high tumour mutational burden: patient-reported outcomes results from the randomised, open-label, phase III CheckMate 227 trial.

Background: In the phase III CheckMate 227 study, first-line nivolumab + ipilimumab significantly prolonged progression-free survival (co-primary end-point) versus chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high tumour mutational burden (TMB; ≥10 mutations/megabase).

Aim: To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in this population.

Methods: Disease-related symptoms and general health status were assessed using the validated PRO questionnaires Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and EQ-5D, respectively.

A Q-TWiST Analysis Comparing Nivolumab and Therapy of Investigator's Choice in Patients with Recurrent/Metastatic Platinum-Refractory Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Objectives: In the CheckMate 141 trial (NCT02105636), nivolumab demonstrated survival, health-related quality of life, and healthcare resource utilization benefits vs single-agent therapy of investigator's choice (IC) (methotrexate, docetaxel or cetuximab) in patients with platinum-refractory recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). We assessed between-treatment differences in quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease progression or toxicity (Q-TWiST).

Methods: Survival data from CheckMate 141 (nivolumab, n = 240; IC, n = 121) was partitioned into toxicity (TOX), time without symptoms or toxicity (TWiST), and relapse (REL).

Cryopreservation and transplantation of ovarian tissue: results from one center in the USA.

Purpose: To report the results of cryopreserved ovary tissue transplantation for leukemia and other cancers, in a single US center.

Methods: One hundred eight females between age 6 and (median age 24) 35 were referred for possible ovary tissue cryopreservation over a 20-year period, with either slow freeze or vitrification. Thus far 13 patients returned up to 18 years later to have their tissue transplanted back.

Evaluation of health-related quality of life and symptoms in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab or docetaxel in CheckMate 057.

Background: Nivolumab, a programmed death-1 inhibitor, prolonged overall survival and had a favourable safety profile versus docetaxel in previously treated patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the phase III CheckMate 057 trial.

Aim: To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using patient-reported outcomes.

Methods: Disease-related symptoms and general health status were assessed using two validated patient-reported instruments, the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D), respectively.

Impact of Nivolumab versus Docetaxel on Health-Related Quality of Life and Symptoms in Patients with Advanced Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results from the CheckMate 017 Study.

Introduction: In the phase III CheckMate 017 study, nivolumab prolonged overall survival versus docetaxel in previously treated patients with advanced squamous NSCLC. Study objectives included health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom assessments.

Methods: Patients serially completed the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and European Quality of Life Five Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires.

Nivolumab versus standard, single-agent therapy of investigator's choice in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (CheckMate 141): health-related quality-of-life results from a randomised, phase 3 trial.

Background: Patients with platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck have few treatment options and poor prognosis. Nivolumab significantly improved survival of this patient population when compared with standard single-agent therapy of investigator's choice in Checkmate 141; here we report the effect of nivolumab on patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods: CheckMate 141 was a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who progressed within 6 months after platinum-based chemotherapy.

Impact of Pediatric Acute Otitis Media on Child and Parental Quality of Life and Associated Productivity Loss in Malaysia: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) affects both child and parental quality of life (QoL). Data on QoL associated with AOM in Malaysia is sparse, and the burden of indirect costs have not been previously reported.

Objective: To determine the effect of pediatric AOM on child and parental QoL in Malaysia and its economic impact (indirect costs).

Quality of life in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma given nivolumab versus everolimus in CheckMate 025: a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.

Background: In the phase 3 CheckMate 025 study, previously treated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who were randomly assigned to nivolumab had an overall survival benefit compared with those assigned to everolimus. We aimed to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between treatment groups in this trial.

Methods: CheckMate 025 was an open-label study done at 146 oncology centres in 24 countries.

Effect of Bronsted Acids and Bases, and Lewis Acid (Sn(2+)) on the Regiochemistry of the Reaction of Amines with Trifluoromethyl-β-diketones: Reaction of 3-Aminopyrrole to Selectively Produce Regioisomeric 1H-Pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridines.

Reaction of 3-aminopyrrole (as its salt) with trifluoromethyl-β-diketones gave γ-1H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridines via reaction at the less reactive carbonyl group. The trifluoromethyl group increased the electrophilicity of the adjacent carbonyl group and decreased the basicity of the hydroxyl group of the CF3 amino alcohol formed. This amino alcohol was formed faster, but its subsequent dehydration to the β-enaminone was slow resulting in the preferential formation of the γ-regioisomer.

Fresh and cryopreserved ovary transplantation and resting follicle recruitment.

Ovary cryopreservation and transplantation has garnered increasing interest as a possible method to preserve fertility for cancer patients and to study ovarian resting follicle recruitment. Eleven consecutive women underwent fresh donor ovary transplantation, and 11 underwent cryopreserved ovary auto-transplantation in the same centre, with the same surgeon. Of the 11 fresh transplant recipients, who were all young but menopausal, nine women had normal ovarian cortex transplanted from an identical twin sister, and two had a fresh allograft from a non-identical sister.

A polystyrene-based microfluidic device with three-dimensional interconnected microporous walls for perfusion cell culture.

In this article, we present a simple, rapid prototyped polystyrene-based microfluidic device with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected microporous walls for long term perfusion cell culture. Patterned 3D interconnected microporous structures were created by a chemical treatment together with a protective mask and the native hydrophobic nature of the microporous structures were selectively made hydrophilic using oxygen plasma treatment together with a protective mask. Using this polystyrene-based cell culture microfluidic device, we successfully demonstrated the support of four days perfusion cell culture of hepatocytes (C3A cells).

Four mechanisms in the reactions of 3-aminopyrrole with 1,3,5-triazines: inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloadditions vs S(N)Ar reactions via uncatalyzed and acid-catalyzed pathways.

Reaction of 3-aminopyrrole with seven 1,3,5-triazines was studied in a one-step reaction (in situ formation of 3-aminopyrrole) and a two-step reaction (using the tetraphenylborate salt and an amine base). An inverse-electron demand Diels-Alder reaction (IEDDA) was observed with R1 = CF3, CO2Et, and H with the formation of 5H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives. S(N)Ar was observed when 2,4,6-trifluoro- or 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine were used--1,3,5-triazines that had leaving groups.

Chlorotropy of 1-chlorobenzimidazole.

The chlorotropy observed by NMR in this study occurred by the rapid intermolecular transfer of a chloro group between 1-chlorobenzimidazole and benzimidazole in CCl4/CH3OH/K2CO3 solution.

Aromaticity and aminopyrroles: desmotropy and solution tautomerism of 1H-pyrrol-3-aminium and 1H-pyrrol-3(2H)-iminium cation: a stable σ-complex.

Protonation of 3-aminopyrrole at C-2 gave the σ-complex 1H-pyrrol-3(2H)-iminium cation, whereas protonation at the exoamino group gave its 1H-pyrrol-3-aminium tautomer. Both tautomers were isolated as their respective tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate salt, an example of desmotropy. In solution, the NH(3)-tautomer was favored in hydrogen-bonding solvents and the CH(2)-tautomer in CH(2)Cl(2).

Evaluation of the prevalence of urinary tract infection in rural Panamanian women.

Objective: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common non-intestinal infection worldwide. In the developed world, incidence and prevalence of UTI would be similar owing to the relatively short duration of illness experienced by women with ready access to healthcare services. We hypothesize that, in the developing world, factors limiting access to care and those which may increase the likelihood of developing UTI, result in increased morbidity.

A computerized adaptive version of the SF-36 is feasible for clinic and Internet administration in adults with HIV.

DYNHA SF-36 is a computerized adaptive test version of the SF-36 Health Survey. The feasibility of administering a modified DYNHA SF-36 to adults with HIV was evaluated with Johns Hopkins University Moore (HIV) Clinic patients (N=100) and Internet consumer health panel members (N=101). Participants completed the DYNHA SF-36, modified to capture seven health domains [(physical function (PF), role function (RF, without physical or emotional attribution), bodily pain (BP), general health, vitality (VT), social function (SF), mental health (MH)], and scored to produce two summary components [Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS)].

Development of a computerized adaptive test to assess health-related quality of life in adults with asthma.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to calibrate an item bank for a computerized adaptive test (CAT) of asthma impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), test CAT versions of varying lengths, conduct preliminary validity testing, and evaluate item bank readability.

Methods: Asthma Impact Survey (AIS) bank items that passed focus group, cognitive testing, and clinical and psychometric reviews were administered to adults with varied levels of asthma control. Adults self-reporting asthma (N = 1106) completed an Internet survey including 88 AIS items, the Asthma Control Test, and other HRQOL outcome measures.

Flexible microfluidic devices with three-dimensional interconnected microporous walls for gas and liquid applications.

This article presents a simple, low-cost method of fabrication and the applications of flexible polystyrene microfluidic devices with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected microporous walls based on treatment using a solvent/non-solvent mixture at room temperature. The complete fabrication process from device design concept to working device can be completed in less than an hour in a regular laboratory setting, without the need for expensive equipment. Microfluidic devices were used to demonstrate gas generation and absorption reactions by acidifying water with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gas.

Heuristic evaluation and usability testing of a computerized patient-reported outcomes survey for headache sufferers.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate usability of a prototype tablet PC-administered computerized adaptive test (CAT) of headache impact and patient feedback report, referred to as HEADACHE-CAT.

Materials And Methods: Heuristic evaluation specialists (n = 2) formed a consensus opinion on the application's strengths and areas for improvement based on general usability principles and human factors research. Usability testing involved structured interviews with headache sufferers (n = 9) to assess how they interacted with and navigated through the application, and to gather input on the survey and report interface, content, visual design, navigation, instructions, and user preferences.

Electronic and steric effects on the mechanism of the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction of 2-aminopyrroles with 1,3,5-triazines: identification of five intermediates by 1H, 13C, 15N, and 19F NMR spectroscopy.

The inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reaction of 1-tert-butyl-2-aminopyrrole with 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)-1,3,5-triazine in THF-d(8) to give a pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine was studied by (1)H, (13)C, (15)N, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy, and five intermediates were identified. A zwitterion was the first intermediate detected, and it cyclized to a tricyclic adduct and its conjugate acid. It also gave a neutral imine via a proton switch.

PPARalpha activation elevates blood pressure and does not correct glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance in humans.

Fibrates, activators of the nuclear receptor PPARalpha, improve dyslipidemia, but their effects on insulin resistance and vascular disease are unresolved. To test the hypothesis that PPARalpha activation improves insulin resistance and vascular function, we determined the effects of fenofibrate in healthy adults with insulin resistance induced by short-term glucocorticoid administration. Eighteen normal-weight subjects were studied in four stages: at baseline, after 21 days of fenofibrate (160 mg/day) alone, after 3 days of dexamethasone (8 mg/day) added to fenofibrate, and after 3 days of dexamethasone added to placebo (dexamethasone alone).

Individual differences and cross-situational consistency of dyadic social behavior.

A new theoretical analysis of individual differences and cross-situational consistency of behavior is proposed. The authors hypothesized that the social behavior of mice (Mus musculus) is determined by individual differences among animals in behavior emitted (i.e.