POS0681 VOCLOSPORIN FOR LUPUS NEPHRITIS: INTERIM ANALYSIS OF THE AURORA 2 EXTENSION STUDY

Background:

Voclosporin, a novel calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), has been tested successfully in two pivotal trials in adult patients with lupus nephritis.

Previously reported results from the Phase 3 AURORA 1 study and the Phase 2 AURA-LV study showed that compared with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and low-dose steroids alone, the addition of voclosporin significantly increased the renal response rate and reduced proteinuria, as measured by urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR), in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) at approximately one year of treatment (48 weeks in AURA-LV and 52 weeks in AURORA 1).

Objectives:

Patients that completed one year of treatment in the AURORA 1 study were eligible to enroll into the two-year, blinded, controlled extension study, AURORA 2. Here we report the first interim analysis of the ongoing AURORA 2 study.

Methods:

Patients completing AURORA 1 were eligible to continue the same randomized treatment of voclosporin (23.7 mg BID) or placebo, in combination with MMF (1 g BID) and low-dose oral steroids in the AURORA 2 extension. This interim analysis evaluated UPCR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with up to two years of total treatment: one year from AURORA 1 and up to one year in AURORA 2.

Results:

116 patients in the voclosporin arm and 100 patients in the control arm enrolled in the extension study, of which 73 patients in the voclosporin arm and 51 patients in the control arm had received two years of treatment at the time of this interim analysis. Mean UPCR at pre-treatment (AURORA 1) baseline was 3.94 mg/mg in the voclosporin arm (n=116) and 3.87 mg/mg in the control arm (n=100). The LS mean change in UPCR from pre-treatment baseline to year two was -3.1 mg/mg for the voclosporin arm (n=73) and -2.1 mg/mg for control arm (n=51; Table 1). Mean eGFR at pre-treatment (AURORA 1) baseline was 79.6 mL/min for the voclosporin arm (n=116) and 78.9 mL/min for the control arm (n=100) and at year two, was 79.0 mL/min for the voclosporin arm (n=73) and 82.9 mL/min for the control arm (n=51). There was a small early decrease in mean eGFR in the first four weeks of treatment (in AURORA 1) after which eGFR remained stable throughout year one and year two. Additionally, there were no unexpected new AEs observed in patients who continued with voclosporin treatment compared to control-treated patients for more than one year.

Table 1.

UPCR

Control (n=100)Voclosporin (n=116)Treatment Comparison of Voclosporin to ControlnUPCR (mg/mg)nUPCR (mg/mg)UPCR (mg/mg)p-valuePre-treatment baseline, mean1003.871163.94NCNCChange from pre-treatment baseline, LS mean Year 1100-2.4116-3.0-0.60.0080 Year 251-2.173-3.1-1.00.0004

LS, least squares; NC, not calculated; UPCR, urine protein creatinine ratio.

Mixed effects model for repeated measures (MMRM) analysis of LS mean change from pre-treatment baseline for UPCR included terms for baseline covariate, treatment, visit and treatment by visit interaction. Integrated results include data from pre-treatment baseline of AURORA 1, the one-year treatment period in AURORA 1 and up to a one-year treatment period in AURORA 2.

Conclusion:

Patients in the voclosporin treatment arm maintained meaningful reductions in proteinuria with no change in mean eGFR at two years of treatment. Additional AURORA 2 efficacy and safety data will be provided at the conclusion of the study.

Disclosure of Interests:

Amit Saxena: None declared, Paola Mina-Osorio Shareholder of: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Employee of: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Christopher Mela Shareholder of: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Employee of: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Vanessa Berardi Shareholder of: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., Employee of: Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

miR-486-5p: A Prognostic Biomarker for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

MicroRNA miR-486-5p has been reported as a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and as a therapeutic target in various cancers. In this study, we analyzed alterations in the expression of miR-486-5p in chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients. Initially, the expression of miR-486-5p was studied in the BCR-ABL1+ve CML K562 cell line by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results indicated that the miR-486-5p expression was significantly upregulated in K562 cells after imatinib exposure, as compared to untreated K562 cells (p-value = 0.047). These observations were corroborated by a hospital-based study of the miR-486-5p expression in peripheral blood leucocytes of 36 CML patients in the chronic phase (CP) and compared with age and sex-matched healthy volunteers as control subjects. qRT-PCR-based quantification revealed significant downregulation of the miR-486-5p expression in newly diagnosed untreated CP-CML patients' samples (2^-ΔCt = 13.19 ± 14.41) as compared to control samples (2^-ΔCt = 254.5 ± 274.8) (p-value < 0.0001). Levels of miR-486-5p were found to be distinctly elevated in the post-imatinib treatment samples of CML patients (2^-ΔCt = 469.7 ± 312.9) as compared to pre-treatment samples (p-value < 0.0001). CML patients' clinical and hematological responses to imatinib therapy (oral dose of 400 mg OD) were monitored for 12 months. The correlation of pre-treatment miR-486-5p levels with Sokal score indicated that patients with a higher expression of miR-486-5p had better prognoses. Patients with higher pre-imatinib miR-486-5p levels also showed a major hematologic response to imatinib in a shorter time and vice versa. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of alterations in the miR-486-5p expression in peripheral blood leucocytes of CML patients. Our observations support a tumor suppressor role of miR-486-5p in CML. The downregulation of the miR-486-5p expression may be critically important in the disease progression of CML patients. The upregulation of the miR-486-5p expression in post-imatinib exposure K562 cells and CML patients after 12 months of imatinib treatment suggests an onco-suppressor effector role of miR-486-5p in the BCR-ABL downstream signaling pathway. miR-486-5p can be explored as a novel biomarker for the early detection of CML.

Molecular evaluation of exon 8 cystathionine rs5742905T T>C gene polymorphism and determination of its frequency, distribution pattern, and association with susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease. In North Indian Population

BACKGROUND

The protein coded by cystathionine β synthase (CBS) gene act as a catalyzer, converts homocysteine to cystathionine. Impairment of CBS gene leads to homocystinuria by cystathionine β synthase deficiency which is linked to Coronary Artery Disease. A number of polymorphisms study have been performed in cystathione β synthase gene. In the current study we planned to analyze the influence of CBS T833C gene polymorphism and its association with Coronary Artery Disease development and its progression in the north Indian population.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The present study comprises 100 angiographically confirmed CAD patients and 100 age and sex-matched healthy controls. A ≥ 50% luminal stenosis at one major coronary artery was considered for the inclusion criteria of the cases. The investigation of T833C polymorphism in the CBS gene was performed by PCR- RFLP technique.

RESULT

In result, we found that homozygous mutant (CC ) and heterozygous (TC) genotypes of CBS T833C gene polymorphism, were significantly higher in CAD patients as compared to healthy subjects. We also observed a substantial increased CAD risk exists in dominant, codominant inheritance and allele specific models for the CBS T833C gene polymorphism. We, analyzed the differential distribution with respect to disease severity, but there was no significant association (p=0.96).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CBS T833C gene polymorphism plays a key role in developing coronary artery disease and its progression.

Imaging of the spectrum of abnormal systemic arterial supply to the lungs using dual-source CT

Abnormal systemic arterial supply to the lungs can be seen in various congenital and acquired diseases. Identification and characterisation of aberrant vascular supply is essential for further management and treatment. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) with its multiplanar capabilities and volume-rendering techniques provides precise information regarding the anatomy and spatial relationship of arterial vascular channels. The following concise review elucidates the characteristic imaging findings of conditions in which systemic arteries are seen supplying the lung parenchyma on dual-source CT.

Measurement of Serum EGFR mRNA Expression is a Reliable Predictor of Treatment Response and Survival Outcomes in Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background:

EGFR over-expression plays a key role in the development and progression of lung cancer. However, its status as a prognostic biomarker for survival outcomes is unclear.

Objectives:

To evaluate the prognostic utility of serum EGFR mRNA expression in Non-Small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for treatment response and survival.

Methods:

EGFR mRNA levels were determined in serum using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Based on ROC curve, a cut off value of 16.0-fold increase was selected to categorize patients into low EGFR (≤ 16.0) and high EGFR (> 16.0) groups.

Results:

A total of 350 subjects were included (78.3% males), with mean (± SD) age of 57.1 (± 11.2) years, and including 247 (70.6%) adenocarcinoma (ADC). Majority (73.1%) had metastatic (stage IV) disease. Patients had higher pre-treatment serum EGFR mRNA levels than controls [median fold-increase (min, max), 16.2 (1.9, 66.7). Serum EGFR mRNA levels significantly reduced in those who achieved objective response and disease control. Significantly longer OS and PFS was observed in subjects having baseline EGFR mRNA expression ≤ 16.0 fold- increase compared to those with > 16.0 fold- increase [median (95% CI) OS: 25.0 (14.9, NR) versus 7.7 (6.3, 8.9) months; HR (95% CI) 2.9 (2.3, 4.0), p< 0.001; and PFS: 9.9 (7.1, 11.5) versus 6.0 (4.1, 7.5) months; HR (95% CI) 1.8 (1.3, 2.4), p< 0.001].

Conclusion:

Serum EGFR mRNA expression is a useful parameter for predicting treatment response and survival outcomes in NSCLC.

Neutron Capture on the s-Process Branching Point ^{171}Tm via Time-of-Flight and Activation

The neutron capture cross sections of several unstable nuclides acting as branching points in the s process are crucial for stellar nucleosynthesis studies. The unstable ^{171}Tm (t_{1/2}=1.92  yr) is part of the branching around mass A∼170 but its neutron capture cross section as a function of the neutron energy is not known to date. In this work, following the production for the first time of more than 5 mg of ^{171}Tm at the high-flux reactor Institut Laue-Langevin in France, a sample was produced at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Two complementary experiments were carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility (n_TOF) at CERN in Switzerland and at the SARAF liquid lithium target facility at Soreq Nuclear Research Center in Israel by time of flight and activation, respectively. The result of the time-of-flight experiment consists of the first ever set of resonance parameters and the corresponding average resonance parameters, allowing us to make an estimation of the Maxwellian-averaged cross sections (MACS) by extrapolation. The activation measurement provides a direct and more precise measurement of the MACS at 30 keV: 384(40) mb, with which the estimation from the n_TOF data agree at the limit of 1 standard deviation. This value is 2.6 times lower than the JEFF-3.3 and ENDF/B-VIII evaluations, 25% lower than that of the Bao et al. compilation, and 1.6 times larger than the value recommended in the KADoNiS (v1) database, based on the only previous experiment. Our result affects the nucleosynthesis at the A∼170 branching, namely, the ^{171}Yb abundance increases in the material lost by asymptotic giant branch stars, providing a better match to the available pre-solar SiC grain measurements compared to the calculations based on the current JEFF-3.3 model-based evaluation.

Setup for the measurement of the 235U(n, f) cross section relative to n-p scattering up to 1 GeV

The neutron induced fission of 235U is extensively used as a reference for neutron fluence measurements in various applications, ranging from the investigation of the biological effectiveness of high energy neutrons, to the measurement of high energy neutron cross sections of relevance for accelerator driven nuclear systems. Despite its widespread use, no data exist on neutron induced fission of 235U above 200 MeV. The neutron facility n_TOF offers the possibility to improve the situation. The measurement of 235U(n,f) relative to the differential n-p scattering cross-section, was carried out in September 2018 with the aim of providing accurate and precise cross section data in the energy range from 10 MeV up to 1 GeV. In such measurements, Recoil Proton Telescopes (RPTs) are used to measure the neutron flux while the fission events are detected and counted with dedicated detectors. In this paper the measurement campaign and the experimental set-up are illustrated.

Monte Carlo simulations and n-p differential scattering data measured with Proton Recoil Telescopes

The neutron-induced fission cross section of 235U, a standard at thermal energy and between 0.15 MeV and 200 MeV, plays a crucial role in nuclear technology applications. The long-standing need of improving cross section data above 20 MeV and the lack of experimental data above 200 MeV motivated a new experimental campaign at the n_TOF facility at CERN. The measurement has been performed in 2018 at the experimental area 1 (EAR1), located at 185 m from the neutron-producing target (the experiment is presented by A. Manna et al. in a contribution to this conference). The 235U(n,f) cross section from 20 MeV up to about 1 GeV has been measured relative to the 1H(n,n)1H reaction, which is considered the primary reference in this energy region. The neutron flux impinging on the 235U sample (a key quantity for determining the fission events) has been obtained by detecting recoil protons originating from n-p scattering in a C2H4 sample. Two Proton Recoil Telescopes (PRT), consisting of several layers of solid-state detectors and fast plastic scintillators, have been located at proton scattering angles of 25.07° and 20.32°, out of the neutron beam. The PRTs exploit the ΔE-E technique for particle identification, a basic requirement for the rejection of charged particles from neutron-induced reactions in carbon. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations were performed to characterize proton transport through the different slabs of silicon and scintillation detectors, to optimize the experimental set-up and to deduce the efficiency of the whole PRT detector. In this work we compare measured data collected with the PRTs with a full Monte Carlo simulation based on the Geant-4 toolkit.

STUDY OF INDOOR RADON, THORON AND THEIR PROGENY IN SOUTH WEST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT OF MEGHALAYA, INDIA

A survey of indoor radon/thoron and their progeny concentrations was carried out in dwellings in the South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The survey was carried out using solid-state nuclear track detectors based on single-entry pinhole dosimeter and direct radon/thoron progeny sensors. The results are subjected to statistical analysis and discussed in the manuscript. The mean value of annual effective dose of the study region is estimated at 1.8 mSv.y -1. Seasonal variability and role of different indoor parameters are also discussed.

JSCO-ESMO-ASCO-JSMO-TOS: international expert consensus recommendations for tumour-agnostic treatments in patients with solid tumours with microsatellite instability or NTRK fusions

A Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO)-hosted expert meeting was held in Japan on 27 October 2019, which comprised experts from the JSCO, the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the Taiwan Oncology Society (TOS). The purpose of the meeting was to focus on what we have learnt from both microsatellite instability (MSI)/deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) biomarkers in predicting the efficacy of anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy, and the neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions in predicting the efficacy of inhibitors of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) proteins across a range of solid tumour types. The recent regulatory approvals of the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab and the TRK inhibitors larotrectinib and entrectinib, based on specific tumour biomarkers rather than specific tumour type, have heralded a paradigm shift in cancer treatment approaches. The purpose of the meeting was to develop international expert consensus recommendations on the use of such tumour-agnostic treatments in patients with solid tumours. The aim was to generate a reference document for clinical practice, for pharmaceutical companies in the design of clinical trials, for ethics committees in the approval of clinical trial protocols and for regulatory authorities in relation to drug approvals, with a particular emphasis on diagnostic testing and patient selection.

OP0164 BLISS-LN: A RANDOMISED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED PHASE 3 TRIAL OF INTRAVENOUS BELIMUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Background:

Lupus nephritis (LN), a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), affects nearly 70% of patients (pts) in high-risk groups. To preserve renal function, LN requires fast and effective treatment. Despite medical advances, progression rates at 15 years to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remain >40% for pts with diffuse proliferative LN. Belimumab (BEL), approved in pts aged ≥5 years with active SLE, improved renal parameters in pts with baseline renal involvement in apost hocanalysis of Phase 3 trials data.

Objectives:

To assess efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) BEL vs placebo (PBO), plus standard therapy (ST), in pts with active LN.

Methods:

BLISS-LN is a Phase 3, randomised, double-blind, PBO-controlled, 104-week study (GSK Study BEL114054,NCT01639339). Adults with SLE and biopsy-proven LN (class III, IV, and/or V) were randomised (1:1) to monthly BEL 10 mg/kg IV or PBO, plus ST. Primary endpoint: Primary Efficacy Renal Response (PERR); defined as urine protein creatinine ratio [uPCR] ≤0.7; estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] within 20% of the pre-flare value or ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2; no rescue therapy) at Week (Wk) 104. Key secondary endpoints: Complete Renal Response (CRR; defined as uPCR <0.5; eGFR within 10% of the pre-flare value or ≥90 ml/min/1.73m2; no rescue therapy) at Wk 104; PERR at Wk 52; time to renal-related event (defined as ESRD/doubling of serum creatinine/renal worsening/renal disease-related treatment failure) or death. Other endpoints: time to PERR/CRR sustained through Wk 104; SLEDAI-S2K score <4 points at Wk 104; safety.

Results:

Overall, 448 pts were randomised (efficacy: 223/group; safety: 224/group). Significantly more BEL (43%) than PBO (32.3%) pts achieved PERR at Wk 104 (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.04, 2.32; p=0.0311). More BEL than PBO pts achieved key secondary and other efficacy endpoints (Table).

Overall, 214 (95.5%) BEL and 211 (94.2%) PBO pts had ≥1 adverse event (AE); 58 (25.9%) BEL and 67 (29.9%) PBO pts had ≥1 serious AE; 29 (12.9%) pts in each group had ≥1 AE resulting in study treatment discontinuation; 4 (1.8%) BEL and 3 (1.3%) PBO pts developed on-treatment fatal AEs.

Conclusion:

In the largest LN study to date, data from BLISS-LN demonstrate that BEL plus ST significantly improves LN renal responses compared with ST alone with a favourable safety profile.

Study funding: GSK.

Table.Endpoint, n (%)PBO(n=223)BEL(n=223)OR/HR (95% CI) vs PBOp-valueCRR at Wk 104*44 (19.7)67 (30.0)OR 1.74(1.11, 2.74)0.0167PERR at Wk 52*79 (35.4)104 (46.6)OR 1.59(1.06, 2.38)0.0245Time to PERR throughWk 104†72 (32.3)96 (43.0)HR 1.46(1.07, 1.98)0.0157Time to CRR throughWk 104†44 (19.7)67 (30.0)HR 1.58(1.08, 2.31)0.0189Time to renal-related event or death†63 (28.3)35 (15.7)HR 0.51(0.34, 0.77)0.0014SLEDAI-S2K score <4 points at Wk 104*41 (18.4)62 (27.8)OR 1.76(1.11, 2.78)0.0164

*PBO and BEL columns represent the n (%) responders

†Data presented as n (cumulative incidence)

Disclosure of Interests:

Richard Furie Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: GSK, Brad H Rovin Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: GSK, Frederic Houssiau Grant/research support from: UCB, Consultant of: GSK, Zahir Amoura Grant/research support from: GSK, Roche, Consultant of: GSK, Astra Zeneca, Amgen, Mittermayer Santiago: None declared, Gabriel Contreras Grant/research support from: Genentech, Merck, Consultant of: Genentech, Merck, Ana Malvar Consultant of: GSK and Roche, chi chiu mok: None declared, Amit Saxena Consultant of: GSK, AZ, BMS, Xueqing Yu: None declared, Y.K. Onno Teng Grant/research support from: GSK, Consultant of: GSK, Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Carly Barnett Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Susan Burriss Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Yulia Green Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Beulah Ji Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK, Christi Kleoudis Shareholder of: GSK, Consultant of: GSK, Employee of: Parexel, David Roth Shareholder of: GSK, Employee of: GSK

Natural Killer Cells Expanded and Preactivated Exhibit Enhanced Antitumor Activity against Different Tumor Cells in Vitro

One of the emerging treatment strategies for cancer particularly for haematological malignancies is natural killer (NK) cell therapy. However, the availability of a best approach to maximize NK cell anticancer potential is still awaited. It is well established that cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells have the potential to differentiate after a short period of preactivation with interleukins-IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 and exhibit increased responses to cytokine or activating receptor restimulation for weeks to months after preactivation. We demonstrated that NK cells differentiated from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood show increased antitumor potential in vitro against different cancer cells. Using flow cytometry, we found that NK cells were able to induce apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro. We further analysed surviving gene expression by quantitative real time PCR and reported that NK cells cause down regulation of survivin gene expression in tumor cells. Therefore, NK cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapy for cancers like AML and other haematological malignancies. It concluded that NK cells can be differentiated from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood ,are able to induce apoptosis and induce increased antitumor potential in vitro against different cancer cells besides cause downregulation of survivin gene expression in tumor cells. Therefore, NK cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapy for different cancer types and haematological malignancies. Furthers studies are necessary to confirm our findings.

Ectopic PD-L1 expression in JAK2 (V617F) myeloproliferative neoplasm patients is mediated via increased activation of STAT3 and STAT5

Escalated PD-L1 expression has been identified during malignant transformation in a number of cancer types and helps cancer cells escape an effective anti-tumor immune response. The mechanisms underlying escalated production of PD-L1 in many cancers, however, are still far from clear. We studied PD-L1, STAT3 and STAT5 mRNA expression using qRT-PCR in 72 BCR/ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients (39 polycythemia vera and 33 essential thrombocythemia). Furthermore, phosphorylation status of STAT3 and STAT5 was studied using immunoblotting in the same patients. All MPN patients were first screened for JAK2 (V617F) mutation by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR, followed by quantification of JAK2 (V617F) mutation burden in all V617F positive MPN patients by ASO-PCR. Patients were screened for BCR/ABL1 fusion gene transcripts to rule out Ph positive status. Our findings showed that mRNA levels of PD-L1 and STAT3 were significantly higher in JAK2 (V617F) MPN patients, while as STAT5 was insignificantly upregulated. STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation was seen to be higher in JAK2 (V617F) MPN patients compared to the JAK2 (WT) patients. Upregulation of PD-L1, STAT3 and STAT5 was significantly associated with JAK2 (V617F) percentage in MPN patients. PD-L1, STAT3 and STAT5 expression significantly and positively correlated with JAK2 (V617F) allele burden. In addition, significant coexpression of PD-L1 with STAT3 and STAT5 was observed in MPN patients. In summary, JAK2 (V617F) mutation is accompanied by increased PD-L1 expression and this PD-L1 over expression is mediated by JAK2 (V617F) mainly through STAT3, while as STAT5 may play a minor role.

Electrically controlled topological micro cargo transportation

We demonstrate electrically controlled linear translation and precision positioning of a colloidal particle in a soft matter device. The basis of transportation is the time dependent electric field reconfiguration and manipulation of a topological line defect between two distinct hybrid aligned nematic liquid crystal domains having opposing tilt orientations. Deliberately tuning an applied voltage relative to a low threshold value (5.7 V at 1 kHz) permits defect trapping of the colloidal particle and allows subsequent control over the particle's velocity and bidirectional linear movement over millimeter distances, without the need for externally imposed flow nor for lateral confining walls.

Measurement and analysis of 155,157Gd(n,γ) from thermal energy to 1 keV

We have measured the capture cross section of the 155Gd and 157Gd isotopes between 0.025 eV and 1 keV. The capture events were recorded by an array of 4 C6D6 detectors, and the capture yield was deduced exploiting the total energy detection system in combination with the Pulse Height Weighting Techniques. Because of the large cross section around thermal neutron energy, 4 metallic samples of different thickness were used to prevent problems related to self-shielding. The samples were isotopically enriched, with a cross contamination of the other isotope of less than 1.14%. The capture yield was analyzed with an R-Matrix code to describe the cross section in terms of resonance parameters. Near thermal energies, the results are significantly different from evaluations and from previous time-of-flight experiments. The data from the present measurement at n_TOF are publicly available in the experimental nuclear reaction database EXFOR.

Measurement of the energy-differential cross-section of the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11B reactions at the n_TOF facility at CERN

Although the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11B reactions are of interest in several fields of basic and applied Nuclear Physics the present knowledge of these two cross-sections is far from being accurate and reliable, with both evaluations and data showing sizable discrepancies. As part of the challenging n_TOF program on (n,cp) nuclear reactions study, the energy differential cross-sections of the 12C(n,p)12B and 12C(n,d)11 B reactions have been measured at CERN from the reaction thresholds up to 30 MeV neutron energy. Both measurements have been recently performed at the long flight-path (185 m) experimental area of the n_TOF facility at CERN using a pure (99.95%) rigid graphite target and two silicon telescopes. In this paper an overview of the experiment is presented together with a few preliminary results.

Preliminary results on the 233U α-ratio measurement at n_TOF

233U is the fissile nuclei in the Th-U fuel cycle with a particularily small neutron capture cross setion which is on average about one order of magnitude lower than its fission cross section. Hence, the measurement of the 233U(n, γ) cross section relies on a method to accurately distinguish between capture and fission γ-rays. A measurement of the 233U α-ratio has been performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN using a so-called fission tagging setup, coupling n_TOF 's Total Absorption Calorimeter with a novel fission chamber to tag the fission γ-rays. The experimental setup is described and essential parts of the analysis are discussed. Finally, a preliminary 233U α-ratio is presented.

The Promising Signatures of Circulating microRNA-145 in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Epithelial ovarian cancer continues to be a deleterious threat to women as it is asymptomatic and is typically detected in advanced stages. Cogent non-invasive biomarkers are therefore needed which are effective in apprehending the disease in early stages. Recently, miRNA deregulation has shown a promising magnitude in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. miRNA-145(miR- 145) is beginning to be understood for its possible role in cancer development and progression. In this study, we identified the clinicopathological hallmarks altered owing to the downexpression of serum miR-145 in EOC.

METHODS

70 serum samples from histopathologically confirmed EOC patients and 70 controls were collected. Total RNA from serum was isolated by Trizol method, polyadenylated and reverse transcribed into cDNA. Expression level of miR-145 was detected by miRNA qRT-PCR using RNU6B snRNA as reference.

RESULTS

The alliance of miR-145 profiling amongst patients and controls established itself to be conspicuous with a significant p-value (p<0.0001). A positive conglomeration (p=0.04) of miR-145 profiling was manifested with histopathological grade. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve highlights the diagnostic potential and makes it imminent with a robust Area Under the curve (AUC). A positive correlation with the ROC curve was also noted for histological grade, FIGO stage, distant metastasis, lymph node status and survival.

CONCLUSION

Our results propose that miR-145 down-regulation might be a possible touchstone for disease progression and be identified as a diagnostic marker and predict disease outcome in EOC patients.

Status and perspectives of the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN

Since the start of its operation in 2001, based on an idea of Prof. Carlo Rubbia [1], the neutron time of-flight facility of CERN, n_TOF, has become one of the most forefront neutron facilities in the world for wide-energy spectrum neutron cross section measurements. Thanks to the combination of excellent neutron energy resolution and high instantaneous neutron flux available in the two experimental areas, the second of which has been constructed in 2014, n_TOF is providing a wealth of new data on neutron-induced reactions of interest for nuclear astrophysics, advanced nuclear technologies and medical applications. The unique features of the facility will continue to be exploited in the future, to perform challenging new measurements addressing the still open issues and long-standing quests in the field of neutron physics. In this document the main characteristics of the n_TOF facility and their relevance for neutron studies in the different areas of research will be outlined, addressing the possible future contribution of n_TOF in the fields of nuclear astrophysics, nuclear technologies and medical applications. In addition, the future perspectives of the facility will be described including the upgrade of the spallation target, the setup of an imaging installation and the construction of a new irradiation area.

Neutron capture cross section measurements of 241Am at the n_TOF facility

Neutron capture on 241Am plays an important role in the nuclear energy production and also provides valuable information for the improvement of nuclear models and the statistical interpretation of the nuclear properties. A new experiment to measure the 241Am(n, γ) cross section in the thermal region and the first few resonances below 10 eV has been carried out at EAR2 of the n_TOF facility at CERN. Three neutron-insensitive C6D6 detectors have been used to measure the neutron-capture gamma cascade as a function of the neutron time of flight, and then deduce the neutron capture yield. Preliminary results will be presented and compared with previously obtained results at the same facility in EAR1. In EAR1 the gamma-ray background at thermal energies was about 90% of the signal while in EAR2 is up to a 25 factor much more favorable signal to noise ratio. We also extended the low energy limit down to subthermal energies. This measurement will allow a comparison with neutron capture measurements conducted at reactors and using a different experimental technique.

Study of the neutron-induced fission cross section of 237Np at CERN's n_TOF facility over a wide energy range

Neutron-induced fission cross sections of isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle are vital for the design and safe operation of advanced nuclear systems. Such experimental data can also provide additional constraints for the adjustment of nuclear model parameters used in the evaluation process, resulting in the further development of fission models. In the present work, the 237Np(n,f) cross section was studied at the EAR2 vertical beam-line at CERN's n_TOF facility, over a wide range of neutron energies, from meV to MeV, using the time-of-flight technique and a set-up based on Micromegas detectors, in an attempt to provide accurate experimental data. Preliminary results in the 200 keV – 14 MeV neutron energy range as well as the experimental procedure, including a description of the facility and the data handling and analysis, will be presented.

Study of photon strength functions of241Pu and245Cm from neutron capture measurements

We have measured theγ-rays following neutron capture on240Pu and244Cm at the n_TOF facility at CERN with the Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) and with C6D6 organic scintillators. The TAC is made of 40 BaF2 crystals operating in coincidence and covering almost the entire solid angle. This allows to obtain information concerning the energy spectra and the multiplicity of the measured captureγ-ray cascades. Additional information is also obtained from the C6D6 detectors. We have analyzed the measured data in order to draw conclusions about the Photon Strength Functions (PSFs) of241Pu and245Cm below their neutron separation energies. The analysis has been performed by fitting the PSFs to the experimental results, using the differential evolution method, in order to find neutron capture cascades capable of reproducing at the same time a great variety of deposited energy spectra.