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Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies has been associated with mixed outcomes in small cohorts of patients with relapsed aggressive B-cell lymphomas after CAR-T failure. To define CPI therapy efficacy more definitively in this population, we retrospectively evaluated clinical outcomes in a large cohort of 96 patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas receiving CPI therapy after CAR-T failure across 15 US academic centers. Most patients (53%) had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, were treated with axicabtagene ciloleucel (53%), relapsed early (≤180 days) after CAR-T (83%), and received pembrolizumab (49%) or nivolumab (43%). CPI therapy was associated with an overall response rate of 19% and a complete response rate of 10%. Median duration of response was 221 days. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 54 and 159 days, respectively. Outcomes to CPI therapy were significantly improved in patients with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. PFS (128 vs 51 days) and OS (387 vs 131 days) were significantly longer in patients with late (>180 days) vs early (≤180 days) relapse after CAR-T. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 19% of patients treated with CPI. Most patients (83%) died, commonly because of progressive disease. Only 5% had durable responses to CPI therapy. In the largest cohort of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma treated with CPI therapy after CAR-T relapse, our results reveal poor outcomes, particularly among those relapsing early after CAR-T. In conclusion, CPI therapy is not an effective salvage strategy for most patients after CAR-T, where alternative approaches are needed to improve post-CAR-T outcomes.

Abstract Despite recent advances in frontline therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), at least a third of those diagnosed still will require second or further lines for relapsed or refractory (rel/ref) disease. A small minority of these can be cured with standard chemoimmunotherapy/stem-cell transplant salvage approaches. CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-19) therapies are increasingly altering the prognostic landscape for rel/ref patients with DLBCL and related aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Long-term follow up data show ongoing disease-free outcomes consistent with cure in 30–40% after CAR-19, including high-risk patients primary refractory to or relapsing within 1 year of frontline treatment. This has made CAR-19 a preferred option for these difficult-to-treat populations. Widespread adoption, however, remains challenged by logistical and patient-related hurdles, including a requirement for certified tertiary care centers concentrated in urban centers, production times of at least 3–4 weeks, and high per-patients costs similar to allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are molecular biotherapies designed to bind and activate effector T-cells and drive them to B-cell antigens, leading to a similar cellular-dependent cytotoxicity as CAR-19. May and June of 2023 saw initial approvals of next-generation BsAbs glofitamab and epcoritamab in DLBCL as third or higher-line therapy, or for patients ineligible for CAR-19. BsAbs have similar spectrum but generally reduced severity of immune related side effects as CAR-19 and can be administered in community settings without need to manufacture patient-specific cellular products. To date and in contrast to CAR-19, however, there is no convincing evidence of cure after BsAbs monotherapy, though follow up is limited. The role of BsAbs in DLBCL treatment is rapidly evolving with trials investigating use in both relapsed and frontline curative-intent combinations. The future of DLBCL treatment is bound increasingly to include effector cell mediated immunotherapies, but further optimization of both cellular and BsAb approaches is needed.

Complications associated with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have complex origins that revolve around chronic hyperglycemia; these complications involve hemostasis disorders, coagulopathies, and vascular damage. Our study aims to develop innovative approaches to minimize these complications and to compare the outcomes of the new approach with those of traditional methods. To achieve our objective, we designed novel nanoparticles comprising covalent organic frameworks (nCOF) loaded with insulin, termed nCOF/Insulin, and compared it to subcutaneous insulin to elucidate the influence of insulin delivery methods on various parameters, including bleeding time, coagulation factors, platelet counts, cortisol plasma levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress parameters. Traditional subcutaneous insulin injections exacerbated hemostasis disorder and vascular injuries in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats through increasing plasma triglycerides and lipid peroxidation. Conversely, oral delivery of nCOF/Insulin ameliorated hemostatic disorders and restored the endothelial oxidant/antioxidant balance by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the lipid profile. Our study pioneers the understanding of how STZ-induced diabetes disrupts bleeding time, induces a hypercoagulable state, and causes vascular damage through lipid peroxidation. Additionally, it provides the first evidence for the involvement of subcutaneous insulin treatment in exacerbating vascular and hemostasis disorders in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Introducing an innovative oral insulin delivery via the nCOF approach represents a potential paradigm shift in diabetes management and patient care and promises to improve treatment strategies for type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract Controlling the number of molecular switches and their relative positioning within porous materials is critical to their functionality and properties. The proximity of many molecular switches to one another can hinder or completely suppress their response. Herein, a synthetic strategy involving mixed linkers is used to control the distribution of spiropyran-functionalized linkers in a covalent organic framework (COF). The COF contains a spiropyran in each pore which exhibits excellent reversible photoswitching behavior to its merocyanine form in the solid state in response to UV/Vis light. The spiro-COF possesses an urchin-shaped morphology and exhibits a morphological transition to 2D nanosheets and vesicles in solution upon UV light irradiation. The merocyanine-equipped COFs are extremely stable and possess a more ordered structure with enhanced photoluminescence. This approach to modulating structural isomerization in the solid state is used to develop inkless printing media, while the photomediated polarity change is used for water harvesting applications.

Tipifarnib is the only targeted therapy breakthrough for HRAS-mutant (HRASmt) recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The molecular profiles of HRASmt cancers are difficult to explore given the low frequency of HRASmt. This study aims to understand the molecular co-alterations, immune profiles, and clinical outcomes of 524 HRASmt solid tumors including urothelial carcinoma (UC), breast cancer (BC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, and HNSCC. HRASmt was most common in UC (3.0%), followed by HNSCC (2.82%), melanoma (1.05%), BC (0.45%), and NSCLC (0.44%). HRASmt was absent in Her2+ BC regardless of hormone receptor status. HRASmt was more frequently associated with squamous compared to non-squamous NSCLC (60% vs. 40% in HRASwt, p = 0.002). The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HRASmt demonstrated increased M1 macrophages in triple-negative BC (TNBC), HNSCC, squamous NSCLC, and UC; increased M2 macrophages in TNBC; and increased CD8+ T-cells in HNSCC (all p < 0.05). Finally, HRASmt was associated with shorter overall survival in HNSCC (HR: 1.564, CI: 1.16–2.11, p = 0.003) but not in the other cancer types examined. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the unique molecular profiles of HRASmt tumors that may help to identify new targets and guide future clinical trial design.

Abstract The development of n‐type organic semiconductors has evolved significantly slower in comparison to that of p‐type organic semiconductors mainly due to the lack of electron‐deficient building blocks with stability and processability. However, to realize a variety of organic optoelectronic devices, high‐performance n‐type polymer semiconductors are essential. Herein, conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) comprising isoindigo acceptor units linked to benzene or pyrene donor units (BI and PI) showing n‐type semiconducting behavior are reported. In addition, considering the challenges of deposition of a continuous and homogeneous thin film of CMPs for accurate Hall measurements, a plasma‐assisted fabrication technique is developed to yield uniform thin films. The fully conjugated 2D networks in PI‐ and BI‐CMP films display high electron mobility of 6.6 and 3.5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. The higher carrier concentration in PI results in high conductivity (5.3 mS cm−1). Both experimental and computational studies are adequately combined to investigate structure–property relations for this intriguing class of materials in the context of organic electronics.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2). Limited data on presentation, management and outcomes of COVID-19 in children with cancer and post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from Saudi Arabia is available. AIM: The primary aim of the study is to evaluate and describe presenting signs, symptoms, and severity of COVID 19 infection in pediatric patients with cancer and post HSCT, whereas the secondary aims are to assess COVID-19 management strategies and to assess outcomes in terms of treatment delays and mortality. METHOD: Retrospective study in children ≤ 14 years of age, who are on-active therapy for cancer or post-HSCT during the period March 2020 to July 2022. RESULTS: A total 45 cases with confirmed COVID-19 infection reported in children with cancer and post-HSCT. There were 29 male (64%) and 16 female (36%) cases, and median age of 7 years (1–14 yrs.) at the time of COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis was observed. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is the major diagnosis in 18 cases (40%) and all patients on active treatment course with majority of the cases being symptomatic, 78% (n = 35), with fever being the most common reason in 28 cases (80%). Main management was through home isolation in 78%, while hospitalization required in 12 % (10). Primary disease treatment remained uninterrupted in 56% (26), while treatment delays observed in 19 patients (42%). All patients in our study had smooth and complete recovery form COVID-19 infection. At a mean follow-up of 12.0 months (2.0–25.7 months), no morbidities or mortality to report. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows mild clinical symptoms and less severe disease course, which is comparable to international experience. Cancer treatment delays emerged as the only major impact, with no impact on the primary cancer progression or relapse at a two-year follow-up seen. Multi-institutional observational studies may enable evaluation of disease-free survival in larger cohort and could address long COVID symptoms in children.

Ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) are new examples of porous materials and show great potential for various applications. Here, the authors demonstrate functionalization of an iCOFs with suitable emission sites and application as chemosensor for amine detection with high sensitivity which can be used to monitor meat spoilage.

In this work, titanium oxide nanotubes (TNTs) were formed by anodic oxidation on the surface of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy. An electrolyte based on ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) was used. Different anodizing periods (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min) with a constant potential of 60 V were established. The morphology of the TNT array was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The adhesion strength of the TNTs to the Ti–6Al–4V surface was evaluated using nanoscratch tests. The critical load of the different TNT layers was determined from the analysis of the groove of the nanoindenter path. It ranged from 0 mN for the samples exposed to 10 min of anodization to 47.0 ± 3.0 mN for samples exposed to 50 min. These results indicate the TNT layers formed at 50 min presented the best substrate adhesion among the specimen tested.

Simple Summary: In the era of precision medicine, translational oncology seeks to identify new, targeted therapies for tumors with rare genetic mutations. Patients receiving targeted therapy are known to have better outcomes (i.e., live longer and better) compared to those receiving non-targeted therapies. In this analysis, we retrospectively analyzed 63,873 tumor tissues to better understand the rare HRAS mutation. We found that only 0.8% of tumors are HRAS mutant, and these tumors look different at the molecular level and behave differently on a clinical level. Targeted therapies for patients with HRAS mutations, such as tipifarnib, currently exist and are being tested in various tumor types. Our study seeks to add to the limited information currently known about this rare genetic mutation. Tipifarnib is the only targeted therapy breakthrough for HRAS-mutant (HRASmt) recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The molecular profiles of HRASmt cancers are difficult to explore given the low frequency of HRASmt. This study aims to understand the molecular co-alterations, immune profiles, and clinical outcomes of 524 HRASmt solid tumors including urothelial carcinoma (UC), breast cancer (BC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, and HNSCC. HRASmt was most common in UC (3.0%), followed by HNSCC (2.82%), melanoma (1.05%), BC (0.45%), and NSCLC (0.44%). HRASmt was absent in Her2+ BC regardless of hormone receptor status. HRASmt was more frequently associated with squamous compared to non-squamous NSCLC (60% vs. 40% in HRASwt, p = 0.002). The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HRASmt demonstrated increased M1 macrophages in triple-negative BC (TNBC), HNSCC, squamous NSCLC, and UC; increased M2 macrophages in TNBC; and increased CD8+ T-cells in HNSCC (all p < 0.05). Finally, HRASmt was associated with shorter overall survival in HNSCC (HR: 1.564, CI: 1.16–2.11, p = 0.003) but not in the other cancer types examined. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the unique molecular profiles of HRASmt tumors that may help to identify new targets and guide future clinical trial design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work compares the tribological behavior of surface layers obtained by three different hardening processes. The layers were formed on the surface of AISI 4140 steel by applying three different thermochemical treatments. Wear resistance was evaluated using a standardized tribological machine for abrasive wear, according to the limits established by the ASTM G65 “Standard Test Method for Measuring Abrasion Using Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel Apparatus”. According to the results, the boride layers exhibited the highest wear resistance, as compared to nitrided and carburized layers. In contrast, the carburized layers presented the highest loss of volume. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the worn surfaces to examine the wear mechanisms. Abrasive wear was identified in all the samples, as the main abrasive wear mechanism. The mean values of the coefficient of friction (CoF) of the hardened surfaces were 0.39, 0.55, and 0.65 for carburizing, nitriding, and boriding samples, respectively, indicating that the wear process may not always be related to a low CoF. The results suggest that the highest hardness is normally associated with high wear resistance, but the coefficient of friction could be not directly related to the hardness of the materials. Finally, a statistical study demonstrates the random nature of the layers obtained by three different hardening processes.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2). Limited data on presentation, management and outcomes of COVID-19 in children with cancer and post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from Saudi Arabia is available. AIM: The primary aim of the study is to evaluate and describe presenting signs, symptoms, and severity of COVID 19 infection in pediatric patients with cancer and post HSCT, whereas the secondary aims are to assess COVID-19 management strategies and to assess outcomes in terms of treatment delays and mortality. METHOD: Retrospective study in children ≤ 14 years of age, who are on-active therapy for cancer or post-HSCT during the period March 2020 to July 2022. RESULTS: A total 45 cases with confirmed COVID-19 infection reported in children with cancer and post-HSCT. There were 29 male (64%) and 16 female (36%) cases, and median age of 7 years (1–14 yrs.) at the time of COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis was observed. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is the major diagnosis in 18 cases (40%) and all patients on active treatment course with majority of the cases being symptomatic, 78% (n = 35), with fever being the most common reason in 28 cases (80%). Main management was through home isolation in 78%, while hospitalization required in 12 % (10). Primary disease treatment remained uninterrupted in 56% (26), while treatment delays observed in 19 patients (42%). All patients in our study had smooth and complete recovery form COVID-19 infection. At a mean follow-up of 12.0 months (2.0–25.7 months), no morbidities or mortality to report. CONCLUSION: Our experience shows mild clinical symptoms and less severe disease course, which is comparable to international experience. Cancer treatment delays emerged as the only major impact, with no impact on the primary cancer progression or relapse at a two-year follow-up seen. Multi-institutional observational studies may enable evaluation of disease-free survival in larger cohort and could address long COVID symptoms in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]