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Abstract Background Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) are established first-line treatments among patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer harboring EGFR-sensitizing mutations. Upon EGFR TKI resistance, there are scant data supporting a standard of care in subsequent lines of therapy. Objective We aimed to characterize real-world treatment patterns and adverse events associated with hospitalization in later lines of therapy. Methods This retrospective analysis of administrative claims included adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who initiated a next line of therapy (index line of therapy) following EGFR TKI and platinum-based chemotherapy discontinuation on/after 1 November, 2015. Treatment regimens and adverse event rates during the index line of therapy were described. Results Among 195 eligible patients (median age: 59 years; female: 60%), the five most common index line of therapy regimens were immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy (29%), EGFR TKI monotherapy (21%), platinum-based chemotherapy (19%), non-platinum-chemotherapy (13%), and EGFR TKI combinations (9%). The overall median (95% confidence interval) time to discontinuation of the index line of therapy was 2.8 (2.1–3.2) months. Common adverse events associated with hospitalizations included infection/sepsis, pneumonia/pneumonitis, and anemia (2.9, 2.8, and 2.0 per 100 person-months, respectively). Conclusions Among EGFR TKI-resistant patients who discontinued platinum-based chemotherapy, the duration of the next line of therapy was short, treatment was highly variable, and re-treatment with EGFR TKIs and platinum-based regimens was common, suggesting a lack of standard of care in later lines. Adverse event rates associated with hospitalization were high, especially among platinum-treated patients. These results underscore the unmet need for new therapies in a later line of treatment to reduce the clinical burden among patients in this population.

Abstract Introduction Patients with psoriasis (PsO) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ), but recent data on the incidence of HZ among patients with PsO and the impact of HZ on healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs for patients with PsO have not been described. Methods This retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study estimated HZ incidence in cohorts of adults with vs without PsO (PsO + vs PsO–) and HRU and costs among those with PsO, with vs without HZ (PsO + /HZ + vs PsO + /HZ–) using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database during 2015–2020. Patients with psoriatic arthritis were excluded from all four cohorts. Comparisons between cohorts used generalized linear models to adjust outcomes based on various baseline characteristics. Results The incidence rate of HZ was significantly higher in the PsO + (n = 144,115) vs PsO– (n = 23,837,237) cohorts at 11.35 vs 7.67 per 1000 patient-years; adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.25. HRU (outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient) was significantly higher in the PsO + /HZ + (n = 1859) vs PsO + /HZ– (n = 78,664) cohorts during 1 month and 3 months after HZ diagnosis (e.g., outpatient visits during month: 2.83 vs 1.30 per patient; aIRR: 1.96; 95% CI 1.86–2.06). Mean all-cause costs were also significantly higher in the PsO + /HZ + vs PsO + /HZ– cohort during both month ($5020 vs $2715 per patient; adjusted cost difference: $1390; 95% CI $842–$1964) and 3 months ($12,305 vs $8256; adjusted cost difference: $1422; 95% CI $280–$2889) after HZ diagnosis. Conclusion These findings show the increased incidence of HZ among patients with PsO and the clinical and economic burdens of HZ in this population. Considering the high prevalence of PsO, insights into the impact of HZ in these patients provide valuable evidence to inform clinical decision-making. Graphical abstract

Pure ZnS and Zn1-x CrxS nanoparticles were successfully prepared using the coprecipitation method, where x represents the concentration (x = 0.00, 0.10, and 0.05). There are many analytical methods used, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Spectroscopy of energy dispersive (EDS). The magnetism structure of the catalysts was investigated using spectrophotometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). X-ray diffraction studies determine the nanocrystal arrangement and size of microcrystals. As seen in SEM analysis, the particles are agglomerated. The coordination of sulfur ions around zinc ions was examined using FTIR analysis. The energy band gap of the Cr-doped sample increases. Photoluminescence spectroscopy showed that the violet emission around 424 nm could be attributed to the excitation process of electrons from the low energy of the conduction band to the valence band of sulfur intermediate atoms. The front amplitude of doped ZnS nanocrystals remains constant regardless of the amount of Cr present. The results show that the ZnS nanocrystals were replaced by dilute Cr3+ ions. Cr-doped ZnS exhibits diamagnetic properties under high-temperature conditions. The results show that these materials are improved by the Cr doping process, making them suitable for many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optimization of printing parameters in fused deposition modeling (FDM) is addressed, focusing on their impact on energy absorption and vibration behaviour of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattice structures, specifically Pseudo-periodic-based Schwarz P and Schoen Gyroid designs. The experimental design employs a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array involving layer height (0.15 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.45 mm), build orientation (0°, 45°, 90°), and extruder temperature (190°C, 200°C, 210°C) as inputs. These lattice structures are generated through Math Mod and simulated using Blender, with Autodesk Mesh mixer refining the STL file. The lattice fabrication employs PLA (polylactic acid). Comparative analysis is conducted against a high-density solid structure lacking lattice design. Optimal parameters for Schwarz P lattice are found to be 0.45 mm layer height, 0° build orientation, and 200°C extruder temperature, while for Schoen Gyroid lattice, 0.30 mm layer height, 0° build orientation, and 210°C extruder temperature. Solid structure optimization yields 0.30 mm layer height, 90° build orientation, and 190°C extruder temperature. Solid structures outperform Schwarz-P and Schoen-Gyroid in energy absorption and vibration behaviour, with Schwarz P showing superior properties over Schoen Gyroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ), but healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs relating to HZ in adults with PsA are unknown. We aimed to estimate the incidence of HZ among adults with PsA vs without psoriatic disease and the additional HRU and costs among patients with PsA with vs without HZ. Patients and Methods: This retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study estimated HZ incidence in PsA+ vs PsO–/PsA– cohorts and HRU and medical/pharmacy costs among PsA+/HZ+ vs PsA+/HZ– cohorts comprised of adults from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database during 2015– 2020. For the HRU/cost analyses, index was the date of first HZ diagnosis (PsA+/HZ+ cohort) or was randomly assigned (PsA+/HZ– cohort). Generalized linear models were used for adjusted comparisons between cohorts. Results: HZ incidence was higher in the PsA+ (n = 57,126) vs PsO–/PsA– (n = 23,837,237) cohort (14.85 vs 7.67 per 1000 person-years; adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR]: 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16– 1.30). Numbers of outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and inpatient admissions were significantly higher in the PsA+/HZ+ (n = 1045) vs PsA+/HZ– (n = 36,091) cohorts during the first month after HZ diagnosis (outpatient: aIRR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.63– 1.86; emergency department: 3.14; 95% CI: 2.46– 4.02; inpatient: aIRR: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.89– 3.61). Mean all-cause per-patient costs were significantly higher in the PsA+/HZ+ vs PsA+/HZ– cohorts during the first month after index ($6493 vs $4521; adjusted cost difference: $2012; 95% CI: $1204–$3007). HRU and costs were numerically higher in the PsA+/HZ+ cohort during the first 3 and 12 months. Conclusion: These findings, which provide evidence on the increased incidence and HRU and economic burden associated with HZ among adults with PsA, could be used to inform clinical practice and decision-making. Plain Language Summary: Why was the study done? Psoriatic arthritis affects the joints of around 20% of patients with the skin condition, psoriasis.Patients with psoriatic arthritis are at increased risk of shingles, which can cause a painful skin rash and complications.This study aimed to provide information on how many patients with psoriatic arthritis get shingles and the healthcare use and costs of caring for patients with psoriatic arthritis and shingles. What did the researchers do and find? Using data from a large US health plan database, we estimated that for every 1000 patients with psoriatic arthritis observed for 1 year, 15 will develop shingles.Patients with psoriatic arthritis were 23% more likely to develop shingles than people without psoriatic disease.Patients with psoriatic arthritis and shingles had 2– 3 times as many healthcare visits in the month after a shingles diagnosis as patients with psoriatic arthritis but no shingles.This resulted in an average additional cost of approximately $2000 per patient. What do these results mean? Psoriatic arthritis increases the risk of shingles.The costs associated with shingles in patients with psoriatic arthritis are substantial.Measures to prevent shingles in this population could be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber/metal hybrid composites are perceived as superior materials for applications in machine tools because of their enhanced machinability, lightweight nature, and vibration-damping capabilities. The application of AWJM to hybrid composites introduces challenges, including kerf convergence ratio and surface irregularity issues throughout the machining process. This study is all about the AWJM of a Kevlar fiber/SS wire mesh epoxy composite with silicon carbide filler particles and garnet as the abrasive material. The study aims to investigate the effects of varying machining conditions, such as cutting velocity, abrasive performance rate, and nozzle tip distance, and to determine the most effective machining parameters using TOPSIS technique. To achieve this, a total of 27 different experimental trials were conducted, and two key attributes, namely kerf convergence ratio and surface irregularity, were recorded. This approach empowers all-encompassing evaluation and comparison of diverse machining parameter combinations, thus expediting the selection of the most fitting parameters to attain desired machining outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]