No abstract

Due to the lack of a common acceptable model across all countries, namely the same numbers of factors (i.e., dimensional invariance), it was not possible to perform the metric and scalar invariance test, what indicates that the SDQ self-report models tested lack appropriate measurement invariance across adolescents from these seven nations and it needs to be revised for cross-country comparisons.

Namodenoson, an A3 adenosine-receptor agonist, showed promising results in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and moderate hepatic dysfunction (Child–Pugh B; CPB) in a phase I/II clinical study. This phase II study investigated namodenoson as second-line therapy in such patients. Patients were randomized 2:1 to twice a day (BID) namodenoson (25 mg; n = 50) or placebo (n = 28). The primary endpoint (overall survival [OS]) was not met. Median OS was 4.1/4.3 months for namodenoson/placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–1.38; p = 0.46). Pre-planned subgroup analysis of CPB7 patients (34 namodenoson-treated, 22 placebo-treated) showed a nonsignificant improvement in OS/progression-free survival (PFS). OS: 6.9 versus 4.3 months; HR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.45–1.43, p = 0.46. PFS: 3.5 versus 1.9 months; HR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.51–1.55, p = 0.67 (log-rank test). The difference in 12-month OS was significant (44% versus 18%, p = 0.028). Response rates were determined in patients for whom ≥ 1 assessment post-baseline was available (34 namodenoson-treated, 21 placebo-treated). Partial response was achieved by 3/34 (8.8%) and 0/21 (0%) patients, respectively. Namodenoson was well-tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to that of the placebo group. No treatment-related deaths were reported; no patients withdrew due to toxicity. In conclusion, namodenoson demonstrated a favorable safety profile and a preliminary efficacy signal in HCC CPB.

Most studies examining adolescent alcohol and substance use or abuse hardly include samples from developing countries. To bridge some gap, the prevalence and associated social correlates of alcohol and substance use and abuse was examined among a cohort of school-going adolescents sampled from seven developing countries. Alcohol and substance abuse was measured using the CRAFFT instrument, independent socio-demographic correlates were determined using regression models. A total of 2454 adolescents completed the study, among which 40.9% reported using either alcohol or at least one other substance during the previous 12 months. This was mostly alcohol (37.8%), followed by marijuana/hashish (8.6%) and other substances (8.1%). Among the adolescents who reported using at least one substance, 45% (18.3% of total sample) had CRAFFT scores indicative of problematic or hazardous substance use. Several personal and family factors were independently associated with use/abuse, and the modifiable nature of these factors calls for appropriate intervention strategies.

OS with maintenance erlotinib was not superior to second-line treatment in patients whose tumor did not harbor an EGFR-activating mutation. Safety results were consistent with the established safety profile of erlotinib. Thus, maintenance treatment with erlotinib in patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC without EGFR-activating mutations is considered unfavorable.