Immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer treatment is triggered by irradiation or chemotherapy. It promotes the release of tumor-associated antigens, changes the tumor microenvironment, and activates the anti-tumor immune system response. Here, we develop a mathematical model to determine the role of ICD in combined, macrophage-based immunotherapy and radiotherapy, with a specific focus on the SIRPα-CD47 pathway. The model is calibrated using tumor growth in preclinical murine models of SIRPα perturbation, with and without local irradiation. The model first discovers that radiotherapy invokes minimal ICD in tumors in wild-type mice, and that ICD depends on radiation dose and tumor size in SIRPα-deficient mice. ICD levels are highest in SIRPα-deficient mice, followed by injection of SIRPα-deficient macrophages in wild-type mice, then treatments of anti-SIRPα, anti-CD47, and finally CD47-knockout. Analysis of the phagocytosis parameter reveals a descending order of phagocytic activity, from SIRPα-knockout, CD47-knockout, SIRPα-deficient macrophage injections, anti-SIRPα, anti-CD47, to wild-type macrophages that show no phagocytosis activity. The ICD and phagocytotic activities together suggest a phenotypic span ranging from M1 to M2-like with the perturbations to the SIRPα- CD47 pathway. Moreover, the model predicts the abscopal effect of the combined radio- and macrophage-based immuno- therapy. We further predict the treatment efficacy given radiation doses, macrophage phagocytosis capacity, and ICD strength, for various tumor sizes. These results highlight the critical role of ICD in capitulating the efficacy of the combined radio- and immuno-therapies and offer a new framework to better conceptualize and design optimal cancer treatment strategies.

Wearable fitness devices use photoplethysmography (PM) which emits and receives light to determine blood volume changes. Evidence shows that blood flow can be altered with sustained muscular contractions, such as resistance training, which could affect the validity of the devices. PURPOSE: To determine the HR validity of a PM device during sustained high force contractions of the wrist and finger flexors. METHODS: Fourteen subjects (10 male, 4 female) completed five protocols of either sub-maximal (15%, 35% or 55% MVC) muscular contractions of the forearm or blood pressure cuff inflation (50 mmHg or 150 mmHg) on the upper arm while cycling at 60 RPM. For each protocol subjects cycled for 1 minute (U1), then simultaneously had increased resistance (maintaining cadence) and performed the muscular contraction or cuff inflation for 30 seconds (R+G). Subjects then maintained cadence for an additional 1 minute with resistance (R) and 1 minute without resistance (U2). Subjects wore 5 devices, two on the experimental wrist/arm, two on the control wrist/arm, and an electrode chest strap (criterion). Raw data was extracted and temporally aligned with criterion for analysis. RESULTS: Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) was calculated for each protocol and the specific stages within each protocol. MAPE at the wrist location was highest during the R+G and R phases, 13% and 19%, respectively. CONCLUSION: HR validity of PM devices is negatively affected at the wrist location during the sustained high force contractions and for up to 1 minute after cessation of the contraction.

The media’s portrayal of crises plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and reactions, often setting the tone for how incidents are understood and addressed within society. Previous studies on framing theory suggest that media frames shape public perception by emphasizing certain aspects of events while downplaying others, thereby influencing public understanding and response. This research examines how major news outlets in the United States frame crime and crisis incidents, such as mass shootings, crowd stampedes, severe weather, and logistical crises at events, by analyzing the types and frequencies of frames used in five elite, large-circulation publications across major U.S. metropolises. Building on prior research, this study employs a content analysis approach to categorize the frames used—specifically, attribution of responsibility, human interest, conflict, morality, and economic impact. News articles will be collected through an electronic database search in LexisNexis, using relevant keywords such as event names and organizer names. The findings will identify the most frequently used frames in crime coverage (e.g., attribution of responsibility, human interest, conflict, morality, and economic impact) and analyze how these frames vary by crisis type, providing insights into how framing choices influence public perception. This research has practical implications for crisis managers, offering guidance on crafting response strategies aligned with media framing patterns, such as addressing economic impacts when an economic frame is dominant or emphasizing organizational responsibility when framed as an organizational failure. Additionally, findings should provide implications for event organizers and businesses in areas like risk, reputation, and revenue management, relationship management, and leadership roles, enhancing preparedness and strategic response to crises.