Seamless monotherapy-combination phase I dose-escalation model-based design.

Phase I dose-escalation studies for a single-agent and combination of anti-cancer agents have explored various model-based designs to guide identification of a maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose. This work describes a parallel approach to dose escalation to expedite identification of maximum tolerated doses both for an anti-cancer agent as monotherapy and in combination with another agent. We develop a three-parameter Bayesian logistic regression model that allows for more efficient use of information between monotherapy and combination parts of the study.

Comparison of three-weekly and six-weekly pembrolizumab United Kingdom prescribing practice for advanced and resected melanoma.

Background: Pembrolizumab is approved for the treatment of advanced and resected melanoma and was originally licensed as a three-weekly infusion (Q3W). In April 2019, a six-weekly infusion schedule (Q6W) was also approved. We retrospectively reviewed pembrolizumab prescribing for patients with melanoma across multiple United Kingdom (UK) centres to compare the safety and efficacy of Q6W with Q3W in real-world clinical practice.

Towards a Semi-Automatic Early Warning System for Vector-Borne Diseases.

The emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) is a function of biotic, abiotic and socio-economic drivers of disease while their economic and societal burden depends upon a number of time-varying factors. This work is concerned with the development of an early warning system that can act as a predictive tool for public health preparedness and response. We employ a host-vector model that combines entomological (mosquito data), social (immigration rate, demographic data), environmental (temperature) and geographical data (risk areas).

Point of Care Nucleic Acid Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Hospitalized Patients: A Clinical Validation Trial and Implementation Study.

There is an urgent need for rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing in hospitals to limit nosocomial spread. We report an evaluation of point of care (POC) nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in 149 participants with parallel combined nasal and throat swabbing for POC versus standard lab RT-PCR testing. Median time to result is 2.

Elucidating fitness components of the invasive dermestid beetle Trogoderma granarium combining deterministic and stochastic demography.

The invasive dermestid khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is an important pest of stored products that is subject to strict phytosanitary measures. In this study, we conducted a demographic analysis of this species at 30, 35 and 40°C, combining deterministic and stochastic approaches. The net reproductive rate, the intrinsic rate of increase, the finite rate of increase and the doubling time did not differ significantly between 30 and 35°C, while at 40°C we detected negative values of the intrinsic rate of increase and the doubling time.

Does Mutual Interference Affect the Feeding Rate of Aphidophagous Coccinellids? A Modeling Perspective.

Mutual interference involves direct interactions between individuals of the same species that may alter their foraging success. Larvae of aphidophagous coccinellids typically stay within a patch during their lifetime, displaying remarkable aggregation to their prey. Thus, as larvae are exposed to each other, frequent encounters may affect their foraging success.

Factors associated with IgG positivity to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in the area with the highest seroprevalence in Greece.

In order to gain insight into the factors playing a role for the high seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in the human population of Thesprotia prefecture, Greece, serum samples were collected from residents of the area together with a questionnaire about demographic and epidemiological factors. A 14.4% seroprevalence was detected, with increased age, agro-pastoral activities, slaughtering, and contact with animals (especially sheep) among the factors associated with seropositivity.