Autologous stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma: Impact of melphalan dose on the transplant outcome.

We evaluated impact of melphalan dose on transplant outcomes for multiple myeloma. Between 1995 and 2019 459 consecutive patients received a transplant; 69(15%) received melphalan ≤150 mg/m2 (Mel 150 cohort) and 390 (85%) melphalan 200 mg/m2 (MEL 200 cohort). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) from the date of transplant. Progression-free survival (PFS), engraftment, transplant response, and cumulative relapse at 2 years were secondary outcome measures. Patients in Mel 150 cohort had adverse clinical and laboratory parameters at base line. Transplant response was better for Mel 200 cohort (p < 0.024). Median OS at a median follow-up of 88 months was similar in the two cohorts; 100 Vs 102 months (Mel 200), p = 0.817. Median PFS (60.0 Vs 53 months, p = 0.746), relapse at two years (32.4% Vs 30.9%, p = 0.745) and grade 3-4 mucositis (p = 0.823) were similar. Initial treatment prepares patients better for subsequent similar transplant outcomes despite differences in baseline characteristics.

Internet of Things-Based Command Center to Improve Emergency Response in Underground Mines.

Background: Underground mines have several hazards that could lead to serious consequences if they come into effect. Acquiring, evaluating, and using the real-time data from the atmospheric monitoring system and miner's positional information is crucial in deciding the best course of action. Methods: A graphical user interface-based software is developed that uses an AutoCAD-based mine map, real-time atmospheric monitoring system, and miners' positional information to guide on the shortest route to mine exit and other locations within the mine, including the refuge chamber. Several algorithms are implemented to enhance the visualization of the program and guide the miners through the shortest routes. The information relayed by the sensors and communicated by other personnel are collected, evaluated, and used by the program in proposing the best course of action. Results: The program was evaluated using two case studies involving rescue relating to elevated carbon monoxide levels and increased temperature simulating fire scenarios. The program proposed the shortest path from the miner's current location to the exit of the mine, nearest refuge chamber, and the phone location. The real-time sensor information relayed by all the sensors was collected in a comma-separated value file. Conclusion: This program presents an important tool that aggregates information relayed by sensors to propose the best rescue strategy. The visualization capability of the program allows the operator to observe all the information on a screen and monitor the rescue in real time. This program permits the incorporation of additional sensors and algorithms to further customize the tool.

Multiple Myeloma: Impact of Time to Transplant on the Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a standard therapy for transplant eligible patients of multiple myeloma (MM). To evaluate impact of time to transplant on subsequent outcomes, we analyzed data on consecutive MM patients who received novel agents-based induction prior to transplant. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2019, 363 MM patients underwent ASCT. Patients' median age was 52 years, ranging from 20 to 72 years, 233 (64.2%) were males. Median interval from diagnosis to transplant was 11.5 months (range, 4-67.5); 201 (55.4%) patients underwent ASCT within 12 months (early) and 162 (44.6%) beyond 12 months since diagnosis (delayed ASCT). Primary objective was progression-free survival. Secondary objectives were-response rate to transplant, overall survival (OS), and transplant-related mortality (TRM). RESULTS: Post-ASCT complete response (CR) (77.1% vs. 64.8%; P < .025) and CR+ very good partial response rate (89% vs. 81.5%; P < .03) was higher for early ASCT cohort. Engraftment characteristics, regimen-related toxicities, and day +100 TRM (3.5% vs 3.7%; P = .564) were similar in 2 cohorts. Median OS for early versus late cohort from date of diagnosis is 127.0 (95% CI, 98.9-155.1) versus 104.5 months (95% CI, 79.3-129.6; P = .356) and from date of transplant is 119.0 (95% CI, 93.4-144.6) versus 89.5 months (95% CI, 57.4-121.6), P < .02. Median PFS is better for early transplant cohort; 69.5 (95% CI, 56.7-82.3) versus 50.0 months (95% CI, 35.6-64.4), P < .05, respectively. CONCLUSION: Early transplant for myeloma is associated with higher response rate and better progression-free survival.

Tuning and Sensitivity Improvement of Bi-Metallic Structure-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor with 2-D ε -Tin Selenide Nanosheets.

This manuscript aims to analyze the effect of tin selenide (SnSe) on the sensing application of SPR biosensors. Tin selenide is the 2-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide material. The proposed multilayer structure has a BK7 prism, a bimetallic layer of Au, tin selenide, and a graphene layer. Tin selenide is used to improve the performance parameters of the biosensor. The ε - SnSe nanosheet is placed in between two layers of gold (Au) in the Kretschmann configuration. The proposed configuration has a maximum sensitivity of 214 deg/RIU, 93.81% higher than the conventional sensor. The performance parameters like full width half maximum, detection accuracy, and quality factor have been analyzed. The ε - SnSe material is an air-stable 2-D. The proposed sensor is suitable for the analysis of chemical, medical, and biological analytes.

Experiences with the Introduction of AI-based Tools for Moderation Automation of Voice-based Participatory Media Forum.

Voice-based discussion forums where users can record audio messages which are then published for other users to listen and comment, are often moderated to ensure that the published audios are of good quality, relevant, and adhere to editorial guidelines of the forum. There is room for the introduction of AI-based tools in the moderation process, such as to identify and filter out blank or noisy audios, use speech recognition to transcribe the voice messages in text, and use natural language processing techniques to extract relevant metadata from the audio transcripts. We design such tools and deploy them within a social enterprise working in India that runs several voice-based discussion forums. We present our findings in terms of the time and cost-savings made through the introduction of these tools, and describe the feedback of the moderators towards the acceptability of AI-based automation in their workflow. Our work forms a case-study in the use of AI for automation of several routine tasks, and can be especially relevant for other researchers and practitioners involved with the use of voice-based technologies in developing regions of the world.