Allure (United States)

Abstract Background Serious viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT). Most available antivirals have significant toxicities and suboptimal efficacy. Posoleucel (PSL) is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf multi-virus specific T cell investigational product to prevent or treat 6 viral infections (AdV, BKV, CMV, EBV, HHV-6, and JCV). In the phase 2 CHARMS trial of PSL in allo-HCT recipients with intractable viral infections, 95% of patients had a clinical response. Here we present the efficacy and safety data in pediatric patients (< 18 years) enrolled in CHARMS. Methods Allo-HCT patients who had failed antiviral therapy or were unable to tolerate antivirals to control BKV, CMV, AdV, EBV, HHV-6, and/or JCV infection received a single PSL infusion of 2×107 cells/m2. Patients with a response could receive up to 4 more doses after 4 weeks, at 2-week intervals. The primary endpoint of the study was safety and feasibility. Other endpoints included complete and partial clinical response, with complete response (CR) as return to normal range and resolution of signs/symptoms and partial response (PR) defined as ≥50% decrease in viral load and/or ≥50% improvement of clinical signs/symptoms assessed by 6 weeks post infusion. Results 18 pediatric patients received PSL (1 was treated for 2 infections separately). Of the 13 with 1 viral infection, 6 (46%) had BKV, 3 (23%) CMV, 2 (15%) AdV, 2 (15%) HHV-6, and none EBV or JCV. Five (38%) had >1 infection: 3 had 2 infections, 1 had 3 infections, and 1 had 1 viral infection at each of 2 enrollments. 56% of patients received one infusion. PSL was generally well tolerated. Besides fever in 7 patients, we observed no toxicities or symptoms of CRS. Five cases of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) were observed; 3 in patients with history of aGVHD (2 had aGVHD at baseline). Both de novo cases of GVHD were Grade 1. 100% of patients achieved a clinical response (CR or PR) by 6 weeks including all 5 patients infected with multiple target viruses. Four of 6 patients with AdV infection had CR. Conclusion PSL treatment was well tolerated. All pediatric patients receiving PSL had a clinical response. Phase 3 studies including pediatric patients are in progress. Disclosures Ifigeneia Tzannou, MD, AlloVir: Advisor/Consultant Carlos Ramos, MD, Novartis: Advisor/Consultant Swati Naik, MD, Bellicum: Travel, Accomodation, Expenses Iain Fraser, MD, DPhil, AlloVir: Employee|AlloVir: Stocks/Bonds Marshelle Warren, MD, AlloVir: Advisor/Consultant Badrish Patel, MD, AlloVir: Employee|AlloVir: Stocks/Bonds Dany Ward, RN, AlloVir: Employee|AlloVir: Stocks/Bonds Ann Leen, PhD, AlloVir: Advisor/Consultant|AlloVir: Stocks/Bonds Bilal Omer, MD, AlloVir: Grant/Research Support.

This paper proposes the CorpRank algorithm to extract social hierarchies from electronic communication data. The algorithm computes a ranking score for each user as a weighted combination of the number of emails, the number of responses, average response time, clique scores, and several degree and centrality measures. The algorithm uses principal component analysis to calculate the weights of the features. This score ranks users according to their importance, and its output is used to reconstruct an organization chart. We illustrate the algorithm over real‐world data using the Enron corporation’s e‐mail archive. Compared to the actual corporate work chart, compensation lists, judicial proceedings, and analyzing the major players involved, the results show promise.

The combination of intragastric balloons (IGB) with comprehensive lifestyle and behavioral changes is critical for ongoing weight loss. Many community and rural practices do not have access to robust obesity resources, limiting the use of IGBs. Online aftercare programs were developed in response to this need, delivering lifestyle coaching to maximize effectiveness. How these programs compare to traditional follow-up is currently unknown. Using propensity scoring(PS) methods, two large prospective databases of patients undergoing IGB therapy were compared to estimate the difference in percent total body weight loss (%TBWL) between groups while identifying predictors of response. Seven hundred fifty-eight unique patients across 78 different participating practices (online n = 437; clinical registry n = 321) was analyzed. The mean %TBWL at balloon removal was 11% ± 6.9 with an estimated treatment difference (ETD) between online and traditional follow-up of - 1.5% TBWL (95% CI - 3-0.4%; p = 0.125). Three months post-balloon removal, the combined %TBWL was 12.2% ± 8.3 with an ETD of only 1% TBWL (95%CI -3-3%; p = 0.08). On multivariable linear regression, each incremental follow-up was associated with increased %TBWL (β = 0.6% p = 0.002). Online IGB aftercare programs provide similar weight loss compared with traditional programs. Increased lifestyle coaching whether in person or remotely is associated with more %TBWL at removal and during follow-up. Close follow-up for clinical symptoms is still warranted.

We propose a machine learning-based method for biometric identification of user behavior, for the purpose of masquerade and insider threat detection. We designed a sensor that captures system-level events such as process creation, registry key changes, and file system actions. These measurements are used to represent a user's unique behavior profile, and are refined through the process of Fisher feature selection to optimize their discriminative significance. Finally, a Gaussian mixture model is trained for each user using these features. We show that this system achieves promising results for user behavior modeling and identification, and surpasses previous works in this area.

Ecchymosis is commonly encountered after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The use of homeopathic preparations of Arnica montana, a flowering herb, has been advocated by physicians, patients, and manufacturers for reduction of postsurgical ecchymosis. The authors evaluate its efficacy after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. A prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was performed in which patients were randomly assigned to the administration of homeopathic A. montana or placebo concurrent with unilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty followed by contralateral treatment at least 1 month later. Ecchymosis was evaluated at days 3 and 7 by rank order of severity and measurement of surface area of observable ecchymosis. There was no statistically significant difference in area of ecchymosis or rank order of ecchymosis severity for days 3 and 7 after treatment with A. montana versus placebo. Additionally, there was no difference in ease of recovery per patient report, and there was no difference in the rate of ecchymosis resolution. The authors find no evidence that homeopathic A. montana, as used in this study, is beneficial in the reduction or the resolution of ecchymosis after upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

To determine the normal range for eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD) in adults according to their ethnicity, age, and sex. A prospective study of eyelid measurements in 112 consecutive adult African American, Asian, white, and Latino patients was compared using t test analysis. Measurements of MRD were collected by a single examiner across 5 months. Patients with conditions disposing to eyelid height changes were excluded. The MRD showed statistically significant variance among select ethnic groups. There was no statistical significance between sexes within each ethnic group. Variance in MRD exists among ethnic groups. This information and further data on ethnicity and sex variance of eyelid measurements can be used for both diagnostic purposes and surgical treatment of patients for optimal results.