Abrocitinib effect on patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from phase 3 studies, including the long-term extension JADE EXTEND study

BACKGROUND

Abrocitinib improved signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) at Weeks 12 and 16 in phase 3 studies, with a manageable safety profile. Patient-reported outcomes with long-term abrocitinib treatment were not reported.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes with long-term abrocitinib treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

METHODS

JADE EXTEND (NCT03422822) is an ongoing, phase 3, long-term extension study that enrolled patients from previous abrocitinib AD trials. This analysis includes patients from the phase 3 trials JADE MONO-1 (NCT03349060), JADE MONO-2 (NCT03575871) and JADE COMPARE (NCT03720470) who completed the full treatment period of placebo or abrocitinib (200 or 100 mg once daily) and subsequently entered JADE EXTEND and were randomised to receive once-daily abrocitinib 200 or 100 mg. Patient-reported endpoints to Week 48 included the proportion of patients who achieved Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores of 0/1 (no effect of AD on quality of life [QoL]) and a ≥4-point improvement in Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) score (clinically meaningful improvement). Data cut-off: April 22, 2020.

RESULTS

Baseline DLQI mean scores were 15.4 and 15.3 in the abrocitinib 200- and 100-mg groups, respectively, which corresponded to a 'very large effect' on QoL; at Week 48, mean DLQI scores were lower with abrocitinib 200 mg (4.6; 'small effect' on QoL) and abrocitinib 100 mg (5.9; 'moderate effect' on QoL). Baseline POEM mean scores were 20.4 and 20.5 in the abrocitinib 200- and 100-mg groups, respectively; at Week 48, mean POEM scores were 8.2 and 11.0. Week 48 patient-reported responses with abrocitinib 200 mg and abrocitinib 100 mg were 44% and 34% for DLQI 0/1, and 90% and 77% for a ≥4-point reduction in POEM score.

CONCLUSION

In patients with moderate-to-severe AD, long-term abrocitinib treatment resulted in clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported symptoms of AD, including QoL.

H9N2 avian influenza virus dispersal along Bangladeshi poultry trading networks

Avian influenza virus subtype H9N2 is endemic in Bangladesh's poultry population. The subtype affects poultry production and poses a potential zoonotic risk. Insufficient understanding of how the poultry trading network shapes the dissemination of avian influenza viruses has hindered the design of targeted interventions to reduce their spread. Here, we use phylodynamic analyses of haemagglutinin sequences to investigate the spatial spread and dispersal patterns of H9N2 viruses in Bangladesh's poultry population, focusing on its two largest cities (Dhaka and Chattogram) and their poultry production and distribution networks. Our analyses suggest that H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus lineage movement occurs relatively less frequently between Bangladesh's two largest cities than within each city. H9N2 viruses detected in single markets are often more closely related to viruses from other markets in the same city than to each other, consistent with close epidemiological connectivity between markets. Our analyses also suggest that H9N2 viruses may spread more frequently between chickens of the three most commonly sold types (sunali-a cross-bred of Fayoumi hen and Rhode Island Red cock, deshi-local indigenous, and exotic broiler) in Dhaka than in Chattogram. Overall, this study improves our understanding of how Bangladesh's poultry trading system impacts avian influenza virus spread and should contribute to the design of tailored surveillance that accommodates local heterogeneity in virus dispersal patterns.

High threshold efficacy responses in moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis are associated with additional quality of life benefits: pooled analyses of abrocitinib monotherapy studies in adults and adolescents

Background

Once‐daily abrocitinib treatment provided meaningful improvements in signs and symptoms of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in randomized controlled studies.

Objective

To evaluate proportions of patients with responses meeting higher threshold efficacy responses than commonly used efficacy end points and to determine if these responses were associated with quality‐of‐life (QoL) benefits.

Methods

Data from a phase 2b (NCT02780167) and two phase 3 studies (NCT03349060/JADE MONO‐1; NCT03575871/JADE MONO‐2) in adult and adolescent patients (N = 942) with moderate‐to‐severe AD receiving once‐daily abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg or placebo were pooled. Commonly used (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI]‐75 and ≥4‐point improvement in Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PP‐NRS4]) and higher threshold efficacy end points (EASI‐90 to <EASI‐100, EASI‐100 or PP‐NRS0/1 response) were evaluated. Proportions of patients across Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index/Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI/DLQI) band descriptors who achieved various efficacy end points were analysed.

Results

More abrocitinib‐treated patients achieved commonly used or higher threshold efficacy end points at week 12 vs. placebo. More abrocitinib‐treated patients who achieved higher threshold efficacy end points reported ‘no effect’ of AD on QoL (by CDLQI/DLQI) at week 12 vs. those who achieved commonly used but not higher threshold efficacy end points (PP‐NRS0/1 vs. PP‐NRS4 but not PP‐NRS0/1 responders [200 mg: 66.3% vs. 17.5%; 100 mg: 62.1% vs. 20.0%]; EASI‐100, EASI‐90 to <EASI‐100 vs. EASI‐75 to <EASI‐90 responders [200 mg: 67.6%, 48.9% vs. 28.8%; 100 mg: 63.2%, 48.1% vs. 36.7%]).

Conclusions

Substantial proportions of patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD receiving abrocitinib met higher threshold efficacy end points, and this was associated with meaningful additional QoL benefits compared with those who did not meet these higher efficacy thresholds. Not only do a substantial proportion of abrocitinib‐treated patients achieve higher threshold efficacy end points but they also do so in a similar timeframe as the more commonly used thresholds for efficacy end points.

Clinical trials

NCT02780167, NCT03349060 and NCT03575871.

Prevalence of Sonologically Detected Non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease Among School Children of Sylhet City

This cross sectional descriptive type of observational study was designed to see the prevalence of NAFLD among school children of Sylhet, Bangladesh from December 2019 to January 2020. School children of three private schools of Sylhet City were randomly selected. Socio-demographic data and anthropometric measurement of them were recorded. Then they underwent screening sonologically for NAFLD. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. P value <0.05 was taken as significant. Total 174 students, boys 99(56.9%) and girls 75(43.1%) were included. Age of them varied from nine years to 17 years (mean 13.408). In this series 82(47.1%), 52(29.9%) and 40(23.0%) were of normal weight, overweight and obese children respectively. In this study 29(16.7%) children had NAFLD and seven (4.0%) had biliary sludge in gall bladder. NAFLD was significantly higher among children with higher BMI (p=0.00). Female sex, children consuming fast food and playing video games were about two times more prone to develop NAFLD. Biliary sludge was found significantly higher among children consuming fast food (p=0.02). NAFLD among school going children is not uncommon. Higher BMI is a significant risk factor of developing NAFLD. Girls and children consuming fast food and playing video games also are more prone to develop NAFLD. Prevalence of sludge in gall bladder is low among school children.

Can paraoxonase activity serve as a comparable marker than high density lipoprotein in the follow-up of patients of coronary artery disease?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Human serum paraoxonase (PON1) produced by the liver and residing almost exclusively on high density lipoproteins (HDL), has been demonstrated to prevent the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL), which is  the central initiating factor in the causation of atherosclerosis. (1,2) Thus, PON1 along with HDL, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and consequently coronary artery disease. Statins are commonly used in clinical practice for the management of dyslipidemia , a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).Keeping this in mind,  it was deemed necessary to set up an observational study to explore whether the changes in PON1 activity after 3 months of statin therapy could help in the follow up of CAD patients.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the alterations in the PON1 activity along with the concentrations of HDL and LDL in patients of CAD before and after 3 months of statin therapy and to explore whether PON1 can be used as a comparable marker for assessment of the atherosclerotic risk in the follow up of these patients.

Materials and Methods

The study included 30 new patients who were put on statin therapy following the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome in the Cardiology outpatients department. The activity of PON1 and the lipid profile parameters were estimated before starting statin therapy and again three months later. Patients with co-morbidities like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and other cardiac diseases of infectious etiology were excluded from the study. The data thus obtained was compiled and tabulated in Excel and statistically analyzed.

Results

The mean, median and standard deviation of the PON1, LDL and HDL, both before and after starting statin therapy, were calculated and the distribution of the individual parameters were determined. Analysis of the compiled data revealed that there was a statistically significant increase in both PON1 (p &lt; 0.05) and HDL (p &lt; 0.001) and a decrease (p &lt;0.05, also statistically significant) in LDL after 3 months of statin therapy. The results both before and after 3 months of statin therapy are summarised in the table attached.(Table 1)

Conclusion

It may be concluded from the above study that the activity of PON1 may be used to indicate the changes in the lipid profile in the follow up of patients of CAD being treated with statins. It is however necessary to conduct larger, well designed studies in future to explore whether it may be used as a comparable marker better than HDL in the follow up of these patients. Abstract Figure.

Multifunctional Thio-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Detection and Imaging of Activated Caspase-3

Background

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are commonly used in nanomedicine because of their unique spectral properties, chemical and biological stability, and ability to quench the fluorescence of organic dyes attached to their surfaces. However, the utility of spherical AuNPs for activatable fluorescence sensing of molecular processes have been confined to resonance-matched fluorophores in the 500 nm to 600 nm spectral range to maximize dye fluorescence quenching efficiency. Expanding the repertoire of fluorophore systems into the NIR fluorescence regimen with emission >800 nm will facilitate the analysis of multiple biological events with high detection sensitivity.

Objective

The primary goal of this study is to determine if spherical AuNP-induced radiative rate suppression of non-resonant near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes can serve as a versatile nanoconstruct for highly sensitive detection and imaging of activated caspase-3 in aqueous media and cancer cells. This required the development of activatable NIR fluorescence sensors of caspase-3 designed to overcome the nonspecific degradation and release of the surface coatings in aqueous media.

Method

We harnessed the fluorescence-quenching properties and multivalency of spherical AuNPs to develop AuNP-templated activatable NIR fluorescent probes to detect activated caspase-3, an intracellular reporter of early cell death. Freshly AuNPs were coated with a multifunctional NIR fluorescent dye-labeled peptide (LS422) consisting of an RGD peptide sequence that targets α_vβ₃-integrin protein (α_vβ₃) on the surface of cancer cells to mediate the uptake and internalization of the sensors in tumor cells; a DEVD peptide sequence for reporting the induction of cell death through caspase-3 mediated NIR fluorescence enhancement; and a multidentate hexacysteine sequence for enhancing self-assembly and stabilizing the multifunctional construct on AuNPs. The integrin binding affinity of LS422 and caspase-3 kinetics were determined by a radioligand competitive binding and fluorogenic peptide assays, respectively. Detection of intracellular caspase-3, cell viability, and the internalization of LS422 in cancer cells were determined by confocal NIR fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy.

Results

Narrow size AuNPs (13 nm) were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. When assembled on the AuNPs, the binding constant of LS422 for α_vβ₃ improved 11-fold from 13.2 nM to 1.2 nM. Whereas the catalytic turnover of caspase-3 by LS422-AuNPs was similar to the reference fluorogenic peptide, the binding affinity for the enzyme increased by a factor of 2. Unlike the α_vβ₃ positive, but caspase-3 negative breast cancer MCF-7 cells, treatment of the α_vβ₃ and caspase-3 positive lung cancer A549 cells with Paclitaxel showed significant fluorescence enhancement within 30 minutes, which correlated with caspase-3 specific activation of LS422-AuNPs fluorescence. Incorporation of a 3.5 mW NIR laser source into our spectrofluorometer increased the detection sensitivity by an order of magnitude (limit of detection ~0.1 nM of cypate) and significantly decreased the signal noise relative to a xenon lamp. This gain in sensitivity enabled the detection of substrate hydrolysis at a broad range of inhibitor concentrations without photobleaching the cypate dye.

Conclusion

The multifunctional AuNPs demonstrate the use of a non-resonant quenching strategy to design activatable NIR fluorescence molecular probes. The nanoconstruct offers a selective reporting method for detecting activated caspase-3, imaging of cell viability, identifying dying cells, and visualizing the functional status of intracellular enzymes. Performing these tasks with NIR fluorescent probes creates an opportunity to translate the in vitro and cellular analysis of enzymes into in vivo interrogation of their functional status using deep tissue penetrating NIR fluorescence analytical methods.

POS0678 DOES SILDENAFIL IMPROVE ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS? – A PILOT CLINICAL TRIAL

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One of the early stages of atherosclerosis is endothelial dysfunction, which is increased in RA. Using drugs to target endothelial dysfunction is a promising novel strategy for CVD prevention in RA. Sildenafil has been shown to improve endothelial function in diabetics, who have similar increased CVD risk. Our hypothesis was that sildenafil use may be a novel primary CVD prevention strategy in RA.

Objectives:

To determine if sildenafil use in RA patients improves endothelial dysfunction (as measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation [FMD] and peripheral arterial tone [PAT]), as well as serum inflammatory and atherosclerosis biomarkers.

Methods:

This NIH-funded study was a phase II, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover efficacy trial of 25 RA patients, with no known history of CVD, but at least one traditional CVD risk factor. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either sildenafil or placebo for 3 months, then after a 2-week washout, crossed over to each respective group for an additional 3 months. Vascular studies (FMD and PAT) and serum atherosclerosis biomarkers (e-Selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1) were performed at baseline, 3 months pre- and post-washout, and 6 months. Adverse events were collected. Given the cross-over design, analyses included a random effects model for within-subject comparisons of sildenafil versus placebo periods, adjusting for the baseline (FMD or EndoPAT) within that period and a term for treatment order. All tests were 2-sided with α=0.05.

Results:

A total of 233 subjects were assessed for eligibility, with 25 subjects being randomized after written informed consent. A total of 13 subjects were randomized to placebo first, and 12 to sildenafil first. Baseline characteristics were similar between those randomized to Placebo vs. Sildenafil first. Mean age was 62.0+/-10.9 years; 84% were female; and 92% were white. A total of 6 adverse events experienced in 3 subjects occurred. The primary endpoint (increase in %FMD in Sildenafil period vs. Placebo period) was not significant (p=0.19). However, note the study was powered at 80% to detect an effect size of 0.37 for change in %FMD or biomarker with a sample size of 60, not 25. However, sildenafil use was associated with a significant increase (improvement) by 0.200 units of PAT ratio (p=0.003) compared with placebo, adjusted by treatment order and baseline PAT ratio (within the given treatment period). Exploratory linear mixed models comparing e-Selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 between Sildenafil vs. Placebo periods, adjusted for treatment order and the baseline biomarker level, did not show any significant differences except for ICAM-1 (55.3 units higher in Sildenafil vs. Placebo periods, p=0.011).

Conclusion:

In this pilot trial of 25 RA subjects, sildenafil use was associated with a significant increase (improvement) in endothelial function as measured by PAT. However, there was no significant difference in FMD. The study is limited due to the small sample size, which was impacted by slow recruitment as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Future larger studies are required to assess whether other PDE5 inhibitors may improve endothelial dysfunction in RA and other autoimmune disease patients at high risk of CVD.

References:

[1]Maradit-Kremers H, Crowson CS, Nicola PJ, et al. Increased unrecognized coronary heart disease and sudden deaths in rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study. Arthritis Rheum 2005;52:402-11.

[2]Peters MJ, van Halm VP, Voskuyl AE, et al. Does rheumatoid arthritis equal diabetes mellitus as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease? A prospective study. Arthritis Rheum 2009;61:1571-9.

[3]Deyoung L, Chung E, Kovac JR, et al. Daily use of sildenafil improves endothelial function in men with type 2 diabetes. J Andrology 2012;33:176-80.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

E-cadherin Gene (CDH1) Expression in Low Grade Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is the commonest primary brain tumor. These are feared due to their invasiveness in brain parenchyma so are less amenable to surgical removal and current chemotherapy regimens with a high mortality rate. Cell adhesion molecule (CAM) E-cadherin (CDH1) downregulation has been associated with tumors of different system and organs featuring invasion and metastasis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to find out the level of E-cadherin gene expression in low grade astrocytoma. In this cross-sectional study, 22 formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue were taken as cases. Three non tumorous brain tissue and 1fresh post-mortem brain tissue were taken as control. Histological features were studied under light microscope with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E stain). Expression of CDH1 gene was analyzed by real time - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by comparative cyclic threshold (Ct) value method. The change in E-cadherin expression was measured by fold change in comparison with the control brain tissue. The data was tabulated and statistical analysis was performed. Among the 22 study cases 8(36.36%) were World Health Organization (WHO) Grade I and 14(63.63%) were WHO Grade II. All tumors showed downregulation of CDH1 gene in comparison with non-tumorous control tissue. The result is statistically significant (p=0.019). So, the study data revealed that downregulation of E-cadherin gene occurs in low grade astrocytoma and tumors of WHO Grade II showed more downregulation than Grade I tumors.

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study on coronavirus disease 2019 in Bangladesh: clinical epidemiology and short-term outcomes in recovered individuals

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly became a global pandemic. This study aimed to investigate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) -associated epidemiology and clinical outcomes in Bangladesh in order to understand the future course of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop approaches to prevention. A cross-sectional study based on retrospective interviews was conducted on 1021 individuals with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 admitted in six different hospitals in Bangladesh and who recovered 4 weeks before the interview date. Of the 1021 patients, 111 (10.9%) were asymptomatic and the other 910 (89.1%) were symptomatic. Higher prevalence of COVID-19 was found in the male population (75%), in cohorts with B-positive blood group (36.3%) and in the 31-40 years age group. Common symptoms observed in our study participants were fever (72.4%), cough (55.9%), loss of taste (40.7%) and body ache (40%); whereas among the biochemical parameters, neutrophil count (46.4%), D-dimer (46.1%) and ferritin (37.9%) levels were elevated. Among the recovered individuals, short-term outcomes including pains and aches (31.8%), weakened attention span (24.4%) and anxiety or depression (23.1%) were also significantly prevalent in the symptomatic cases with comorbidities. Our study showed that in Bangladesh, adult males aged between 31 and 40 years were more vulnerable to developing COVID-19. It also indicated a rising trend of asymptomatic cases as the pandemic progressed. As a consequence, deployment of interventions to curb further spread of community infection is necessary to avoid grave outcomes of COVID-19 in Bangladesh.

Integrated ozonation assisted electrocoagulation process for the removal of cyanide from steel industry wastewater

This work focuses on the removal of cyanide, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and chloride from biological oxidation treated (BOT) effluent of the steel industry by integrated ozonation assisted electrocoagulation method. The removal efficiency of the pollutants was found to be inefficient when the electrocoagulation or ozonation process was performed separately. However, a combination of ozonation and electrocoagulation gives a highly satisfactory result. Such an integrated approach for the treatment of BOT effluent has not been previously investigated. The effects of operating variables viz. ozone generation rate, current density, and analysis time on pollutant removal were primarily analyzed for the hybrid process. The experimental operating condition was optimized and was seen that ozone generation rate of 1.33 mg s^-1, ozonation time of 40 min, a current density of 100 A m^-2, and electrolysis time of 30 min were sufficient for reducing the pollutant concentration below its permissible limits. The removal efficiencies of the combined process at optimum conditions were 99.8%, 94.7%, 95%, and 46.5% for cyanide, COD, BOD, and chloride ions, respectively. A kinetic study was performed for the degradation of the pollutants during ozonation. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model was found to be best suited for the analysis with the highest R² value of 0.99 for cyanide, COD, BOD, and chloride, respectively. The mass transfer study conducted further showed that the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, K_la, was increased with that of the ozone generation rate. Cost estimation of the hybrid process was done and compared with that of the other reported integrated process.

Antioxidant Activity with Increased Endogenous Levels of Vitamin C, E and A Following Dietary Supplementation with a Combination of Glutathione and Resveratrol Precursors

The effects of two different dietary supplements on the redox status of healthy human participants were evaluated. The first supplement (GluS, Glutathione Synthesis) contains the precursors for the endogenous synthesis of glutathione and the second (GluReS, Glutathione and Resveratrol Synthesis) contains in addition polydatin, a precursor of resveratrol. To assess the influence of GluS and GluReS on the redox status, ten thiol species and three vitamins were measured before (t0) and after 8 weeks (t1) of dietary supplementation. An inflammatory marker, neopterin, was also assessed at the same time points. Both supplements were highly effective in improving the redox status by significantly increasing the reduced-glutathione (GSH) content and other reduced thiol species while significantly decreasing the oxidized species. The positive outcome of the redox status was most significant in the GluRes treatment group which also experienced a significant reduction in neopterin levels. Of note, the endogenous levels of vitamins C, E and A were significantly increased in both treatment groups, with best results in the GluReS group. While both dietary supplements significantly contributed to recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory outcomes, the effects of GluReS, the combination of glutathione and resveratrol precursors, were more pronounced. Thus, dietary supplementation with GluReS may represent a valuable strategy for maintaining a competent immune status and a healthy lifespan.

A fast and reliable method for detecting SNP rs67384697 (Hsa-miR-148a binding site) by a single run of allele-specific real-time PCR

Surface expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-class I molecules is critical for modulating T/natural killer lymphocytes' effector functions. Among HLA molecules, HLA-C, the most recently evolved form of class I antigens, is subjected to both transcriptional and multiple post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms affecting its cell surface expression. Among the latter a region placed in the 3' untranslated region of HLA-C transcript contains the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs67384697 "G-ins/del" that has been found to be strictly associated with surface levels of HLA-C allomorphs because of the effect on the binding site of a microRNA (Hsa-miR-148a). Higher expression of HLA-C has been proved to influence HIV-1 infection via a better control of viremia and a slower disease progression. More importantly, the analysis of SNP rs67384697 "G-ins/del" combined with the evaluation of the HLA-Bw4/-Bw6 C1/C2 supratype, as well as the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genetic asset, has proved to be pivotal in defining the status of Elite Controllers in the Caucasian population. Here we describe a new reliable and fast method of allele-specific real-time PCR to monitor the integrity/disruption of the binding site of the microRNA Hsa-miR-148a in a high-throughput format that can be easily applied to studies involving large cohorts of individuals.

Utilization of LD slag from steel industry for the preparation of MF membrane

This work is focused on utilizing the solid waste generated from steel industry for the fabrication of porous ceramic membrane from Linz Donawitz (LD) slag. Membranes were fabricated using uniaxial method sintered at three different temperatures like 650 °C, 850 °C and 950 °C. Membranes fabricated with raw LD slag gave a highly basic filtrate. In contrast with this issue, LD slag was modified using acetic acid and CO₂ purging to convert calcium oxide which is present in the slag to calcium carbonate. The membranes fabricated from modified LD slag showed a filtrate pH of 8.4 and 8.5. Porosity, pore size distribution, flexural strength, chemical stability was determined and pure water flux experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the prepared membranes. Considering the raw materials cost, the cost of the fabricated membranes was estimated in the range of 32.55-55.7 USD/m². This work gives a potential path to develop microfiltration ceramic membrane with, high porosity and great quality in terms of strength and chemical stability. The fabricated membranes were utilized in a hybrid technique (flocculation followed by microfiltration) for the treatment of cold roll mill (CRM) wastewater generated from steel industry. Use of LD slag for the fabrication of ceramic membrane is not only an appealing option towards the commercialization of membrane, yet also great option to reduce the solid waste which is dumped to the environment.

Molecular characterization of Bu-1 and TLR2 gene in Haringhata Black chicken

Haringhata Black is the only registered indigenous poultry genetic resource of West Bengal till date. Molecular characterization of HB revealed that Bu-1 to be highly glycoylated transmembrane protein unlike mammalian Bu-1, whereas TLR2 of HB chicken was observed to be rich in Leucine rich repeat. HB chicken was observed to be genetically close to chicken of Japan, while distant to chicken breed of UK and Chicago. Avian species wise evolution study indicates genetic closeness of HB chicken with turkey. Differential mRNA expression profile for the immune response genes (TLR2, TLR4 and Bu1 gene) were studied for HB chicken with respect to other chicken breed and poultry birds, which reveals that HB chicken were better in terms of B cell mediated immunity and hence better response to vaccination. Hence HB chicken is one of the best poultry genetic resources to be reared under backyard system where biosecurity measures are almost lacking.

Assessment of Number and Distribution of Mast Cell in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Biopsy Specimen and Its Correlation with Histological Grading

Oral cancer is a commonly occurring one worldwide. More than 90% of all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The molecular biological markers of oral SCC have been extensively studied to aid in prevention and prognosis. However, no marker has been universally accepted so far. Mast cells are important component of cancer stromal interaction. Their early recruitment in tumor microenvironment and multifarious function make them a burning topic of interest in the field of research. So mast cell may act as a new target for the adjuvant treatment of oral SCC. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the number and distribution of mast cell between different grades of oral SCC. In this cross sectional study the sample size was 100. After routine tissue processing and staining with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H/E) stains, slides of all cases were grouped as- well, moderate and poorly differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma according to Anneroth's grading system. Identification of mast cell was done by Toluidine blue stain. Distribution of mast cells was observed and number of mast cells was counted. The data was tabulated and statistical analysis was performed. Out of 100 cases, 66% patients belonged to Grade I, 28% Grade II and 6% Grade III. The mean±SD number of mast cells was 3.28±1.21, 1.59±0.58 and 0.44±0.17 in Grade I, Grade II and Grade III SCC, respectively. The p value was found to be highly significant (p<0.001). An inverse significant Pearson's correlation was found between number of mast cells and grades of oral SCC. The number of mast cell was slightly increased in oral SCC cases than normal. The number of mast cells also had an inverse association with histologic grade. So, in this observation mast cell is a good cellular indicator of tumor grade.

Activating Killer Immunoglobulin Receptors and HLA-C: a successful combination providing HIV-1 control

Several studies demonstrated a relevant role of polymorphisms located within the HLA-B and -C loci and the Killer Immunoglobulin Receptors (KIRs) 3DL1 and 3DS1 in controlling HIV-1 replication. KIRs are regulatory receptors expressed at the surface of NK and CD8+ T-cells that specifically bind HLA-A and -B alleles belonging to the Bw4 supratype and all the -C alleles expressing the C1 or C2 supratype. We here disclose a novel signature associated with the Elite Controller but not with the long-term nonprogressor status concerning 2DS activating KIRs and HLA-C2 alleles insensitive to miRNA148a regulation. Overall, our findings support a crucial role of NK cells in the control of HIV-1 viremia.

HIV-1 Env associates with HLA-C free-chains at the cell membrane modulating viral infectivity

HLA-C has been demonstrated to associate with HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env). Virions lacking HLA-C have reduced infectivity and increased susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies. Like all others MHC-I molecules, HLA-C requires β₂-microglobulin (β₂m) for appropriate folding and expression on the cell membrane but this association is weaker, thus generating HLA-C free-chains on the cell surface. In this study, we deepen the understanding of HLA-C and Env association by showing that HIV-1 specifically increases the amount of HLA-C free chains, not bound to β₂m, on the membrane of infected cells. The association between Env and HLA-C takes place at the cell membrane requiring β₂m to occur. We report that the enhanced infectivity conferred to HIV-1 by HLA-C specifically involves HLA-C free chain molecules that have been correctly assembled with β₂m. HIV-1 Env-pseudotyped viruses produced in the absence of β₂m are less infectious than those produced in the presence of β₂m. We hypothesize that the conformation and surface expression of HLA-C molecules could be a discriminant for the association with Env. Binding stability to β₂m may confer to HLA-C the ability to preferentially act either as a conventional immune-competent molecule or as an accessory molecule involved in HIV-1 infectivity.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Methicillin-Resistance Staphylococcus aureus from Different Tertiary Care Hospitals Including Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

The aim of this study was to detect antimicrobial susceptibilities and the presence of drug resistance genes of MRSA from tertiary care hospitals. This study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College during the period from Jan, 2015 to Dec, 2015. Clinical samples, including wound swab, pus, exudates from diabetic ulcer and burn ulcer, aural swab, blood and urine were collected. Standard microbiological procedure & biochemical tests were carried out to detect S. aureus. Oxacillin disk diffusion test was done by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Total 69 isolates of S. aureus were selected for the study. The isolates were collected from three different tertiary care hospitals, of which 33, 27 and 9 were from Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), BIRDEM hospital and Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (SSMCH) respectively. Among the 69 isolates, 17(24.6%) and 52(75.3%) were distinguished as MRSA and MSSA respectively by ODDM (Oxacillin disk diffusion method). In contrast, detection of presence and absence of mecA gene by PCR identified 20 (28.9%) and 49 (71.01%) isolates as MRSA and MSSA respectively. All of the S. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and gentamicin. All MRSA isolates (100%) showed resistance to Penicillin and Oxacillin. Among the MRSA isolates about 88.2% were resistance to Ceftazidime, 64.7% were resistance to Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin, 11.7% were resistance to Tetracycline. Among the MSSA isolates about 94.2% were resistance to Penicillin and 9.6% resistance to Ciprofloxacin. The MSSA were less resistance for non-beta lactam drugs than MRSA. Regarding drug resistance genes, the blaZ genes were present in 47 out of 49(95.8%) MSSA and in 18 out of 18 (100%) MRSA. The erythromycin resistance gene ermB was found in 8.69% isolates, of which highest 20% in MRSA and 4.08% in MSSA. The ermA was not found in any isolates. Among tetracycline resistance genes, tetK were detected in 10.1% and tetL were found in 2.8% of MRSA. The highest tetK genes were found in 20% of MRSA and in 6.1% of MSSA. Regarding, the gentamicin drug resistance, the aac(6')-Iaph(2'')-Ia gene was not found in any isolates. The relatively high proportion of MRSA and the associated antibiotic resistance seen in this study emphasizes the need for country based surveillance to characterize and monitor MRSA and to develop strategies that will improve MRSA treatment and control.

Greek Warrior Helmet Facies (Wolf-hirschhorn Syndrome)

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) is caused by a chromosomal deletion of the band 4p16.3 with characteristic craniofacial features -’Greek warrior helmet’5 facies (prominent glabella, hypertelorism, broad beaked nose and frontal bossing), high-arched eyebrows, protruding eyes, epicanthal folds, short philtrum, distinct mouth with downturned corners, micrognathia, dysplastic ears, preauricular tags. Till date there are very few case reports of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome.Here we report a case that had characteristic dysmorphic facies (Figure 1) ‘Greek warrior helmet’ and was diagnosed as a case of WHS. But presence of Meningo-encephalocele and lissencephaly is rarely reported in literature in association with Wolf-hirschhorn syndrome till date. J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(3):239-243 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i3.10289

Characterization of HIV-1 entry inhibitors with broad activity against R5 and X4 viral strains

Background

Combined antiretroviral therapy has drastically reduced mortality and morbidity of HIV-infected individuals. Nevertheless long-term toxicity and appearance of viral resistance hampers the prolonged effectiveness of combination therapy, requiring a continuous input of drugs to replace those utilized in combination regimens. We here investigated the anti-HIV activity of novel derivatives of the suradista chemical class.

Methods

Compounds were tested on acute HIV-1 infection of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. HIV production was monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measuring the protein p24 released in culture supernatants. Fusion assays were carried out to study the mechanism of action of these compounds. A modified version of a previously established recombinant vaccinia virus-based assay was used measuring activation of a reporter gene upon fusion of two distinct cell populations. Flow cytometry was performed in competition assays for the binding of several antibodies targeting different sites of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120, or the receptor CD4, or the coreceptors CXCR4 and CCR5.

Results

Four compounds inhibited replication of a prototypic R5 (BaL) and X4 (IIIB) laboratory-adapted HIV-1 strain at low micromolar concentrations, in the absence of cytotoxicity. Approximately a ten fold greater activity was achieved against the X4 as compared to the R5 strain.

The compounds blocked X4 and R5 HIV-1 fusion, a step of viral entry. This activity appeared specific for HIV-1, as entry of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and influenza virus was not substantially affected. Further investigation of the inhibitory mechanism revealed that these new molecules target the viral envelope, rather than the coreceptors, as previously shown for a congener of the same class characterized by a long plasmatic half-life. Indeed ND-4043, the most active compound, specifically competed with binding of monoclonal antibodies against the CD4-binding site (CD4-BS) and coreceptor-binding site (CoR-BS) of gp120. These compounds displayed broad anti-HIV activity, as they inhibited various primary R5, X4 and, importantly, dualtropic R5X4 HIV-1 isolates. Of the four derivatives tested, the dimeric compounds were consistently more potent than the monomeric ones.

Conclusions

Given their unique features, these molecules represent promising candidates for further development and exploitation as anti-HIV therapeutics.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0461-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

External control over tautomeric distribution and inter-conversion: new insights into the realm of catalyzed tautomerization

Relative stabilities of tautomers and tautomeric barriers are extensively modulated by use of carboxylic acids and amine bases.

exomeSuite: Whole exome sequence variant filtering tool for rapid identification of putative disease causing SNVs/indels

Exome and whole-genome analyses powered by next-generation sequencing (NGS) have become invaluable tools in identifying causal mutations responsible for Mendelian disorders. Given that individual exomes contain several thousand single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions, it remains a challenge to analyze large numbers of variants from multiple exomes to identify causal alleles associated with inherited conditions. To this end, we have developed user-friendly software that analyzes variant calls from multiple individuals to facilitate identification of causal mutations. The software, termed exomeSuite, filters for putative causative variants of monogenic diseases inherited in one of three forms: dominant, recessive caused by a homozygous variant, or recessive caused by two compound heterozygous variants. In addition, exomeSuite can perform homozygosity mapping and analyze the variant data of multiple unrelated individuals. Here we demonstrate that filtering of variants with exomeSuite reduces datasets to a fraction of a percent of their original size. To the best of our knowledge this is the first freely available software developed to analyze variant data from multiple individuals that rapidly assimilates and filters large data sets based on pattern of inheritance.

Comment on "Influence of HLA-C expression level on HIV control"

Apps et al. (Reports, 5 April 2013, p. 87) found that high human leukocyte antigen C (HLA-C) expression favors HIV-1 control. However, as noted here, HLA-C was assessed with a monoclonal antibody (DT9) that cross-reacts with HLA-E. In the context of the available evidence, this is consistent with the idea that the two leukocyte antigens collaborate to keep the HIV-1 virus at bay.

Selected HIV-1 Env trimeric formulations act as potent immunogens in a rabbit vaccination model

Background

Ten to 30% of HIV-1 infected subjects develop broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) during chronic infection. We hypothesized that immunizing rabbits with viral envelope glycoproteins (Envs) from these patients may induce bNAbs, when formulated as a trimeric protein and in the presence of an adjuvant.

Methods

Based on in vitro neutralizing activity in serum, patients with bNAbs were selected for cloning of their HIV-1 Env. Seven stable soluble trimeric gp140 proteins were generated from sequences derived from four adults and two children infected with either clade A or B HIV-1. From one of the clade A Envs both the monomeric and trimeric Env were produced for comparison. Rabbits were immunized with soluble gp120 or trimeric gp140 proteins in combination with the adjuvant dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium/trehalose dibehenate (CAF01). Env binding in rabbit immune serum was determined using ELISAs based on gp120-IIIB protein. Neutralizing activity of IgG purified from rabbit immune sera was measured with the pseudovirus-TZMbl assay and a PBMC-based neutralization assay for selected experiments.

Results

It was initially established that gp140 trimers induce better antibody responses over gp120 monomers and that the adjuvant CAF01 was necessary for such strong responses. Gp140 trimers, based on HIV-1 variants from patients with bNAbs, were able to elicit both gp120_IIIB specific IgG and NAbs to Tier 1 viruses of different subtypes. Potency of NAbs closely correlated with titers, and an gp120-binding IgG titer above a threshold of 100,000 was predictive of neutralization capability. Finally, peptide inhibition experiments showed that a large fraction of the neutralizing IgG was directed against the gp120 V3 region.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the strategy of reverse immunology based on selected Env sequences is promising when immunogens are delivered as stabilized trimers in CAF01 adjuvant and that the rabbit is a valuable model for HIV vaccine studies.

Characterization of humoral responses to soluble trimeric HIV gp140 from a clade A Ugandan field isolate

Trimeric soluble forms of HIV gp140 envelope glycoproteins represent one of the closest molecular structures compared to native spikes present on intact virus particles. Trimeric soluble gp140 have been generated by several groups and such molecules have been shown to induce antibodies with neutralizing activity against homologous and heterologous viruses. In the present study, we generated a recombinant trimeric soluble gp140, derived from a previously identified Ugandan A-clade HIV field isolate (gp140_94UG018). Antibodies elicited in immunized rabbits show a broad binding pattern to HIV envelopes of different clades. An epitope mapping analysis reveals that, on average, the binding is mostly focused on the C1, C2, V3, V5 and C5 regions. Immune sera show neutralization activity to Tier 1 isolates of different clades, demonstrating cross clade neutralizing activity which needs to be further broadened by possible structural modifications of the clade A gp140_94UG018. Our results provide a rationale for the design and evaluation of immunogens and the clade A gp140_94UG018 shows promising characteristics for potential involvement in an effective HIV vaccine with broad activity.

Social Sutra: Yoga, identity, and health in New York’s changing neighborhoods

Taking note of the rapid, visible expansion of yoga studios in American cities, this article explores the role of yoga as a social determinant of urban health and yoga’s entanglements with race and class identities. Who are the interpreters of yoga in America, and how has yoga, based on a premise of psychosomatic wholeness, paradoxically served as a prism for refracting social difference? Answers to these questions hold significant implications for the culture of health observed in cities today and possibilities for wellness. Through narrative inquiry, my argument centers on three identities that embody the role of yoga in health: the yoga teacher as healer, the yoga student as seeker of spiritually informed mind-body wellness, and the modern yoga practitioner as consumer of a physically focused, commercialized yoga.A recombination of the identities involved in yoga – healer, seeker, and consumer – can recover the possibilities for yoga to contribute to improved urban health across race and class.