Psychological and Environmental Correlates of HPA Axis Functioning in Parentally Bereaved Children: Preliminary Findings

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/97514/1/jts21788.pd

Modelling Retail Customer Behavior at Merrill Lynch

A two state Markov chain model is used to describe and forecast the over time behavior of the best retail customers at Merrill Lynch. This model has 4 behaviorally meaningful parameters which capture the effect of recently being a prime customer, the differing average commissions generated across customers and the exiting of some of these customers from the Merrill Lynch system. This model helps management to understand the dynamics of the prime customers' behavior. In particular, the forecasts generated by the model allow for better analyses of possible strategies for providing special services for these very good customers. The model which was developed with 1976–1979 data is validated against the actual 1980 behavior of Merrill Lynch customers.retail brokerage, prime customers, Markov process, forecasting

Safety and patient experience with at‐home infusion of ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate safety (infusion‐related reactions [IRRs]) and patient satisfaction (patient‐reported outcomes [PROs]) for at‐home ocrelizumab administration for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods This open‐label study included adult patients with an MS diagnosis who had completed a ≥ 600‐mg ocrelizumab dose, had a patient‐determined disease steps score of 0 to 6 and had completed PROs. Eligible patients received a 600‐mg ocrelizumab home‐based infusion over 2 h, followed by 24‐h and 2‐week post‐infusion follow‐up calls. IRRs and adverse events (AEs) were documented during infusions and follow‐up calls. PROs were completed before and 2 weeks post infusion. Results Overall, 99 of 100 expected patients were included (mean [SD] age, 42.3 [7.7] years; 72.7% female; 91.9% White). The mean (SD) infusion time was 2.5 (0.6) hours, and 75.8% of patients completed their ocrelizumab infusion between 2 to 2.5 h. The IRR incidence rate was 25.3% (95% CI: 16.7%, 33.8%)—similar to other shorter ocrelizumab infusion studies—and all AEs were mild/moderate. In total, 66.7% of patients experienced AEs, including itch, fatigue, and grogginess. Patients reported significantly increased satisfaction with the at‐home infusion process and confidence in the care provided. Patients also reported a significant preference for at‐home infusion compared with prior infusion center experiences. Interpretation IRRs and AEs occurred at acceptable rates during in‐home infusions of ocrelizumab over a shorter infusion time. Patients reported increased confidence and comfort with the home infusion process. Findings from this study provide evidence of the safety and feasibility of home‐based ocrelizumab infusion over a shorter infusion period