Sex Matters-Insights from Testing Drug Efficacy in an Animal Model of Pancreatic Cancer

Preclinical studies rarely test the efficacy of therapies in both sexes. The field of oncology is no exception in this regard. In a model of syngeneic, orthotopic, metastasized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma we evaluated the impact of sex on pathological features of this disease as well as on the efficacy and possible adverse side effects of a novel, small molecule-based therapy inhibiting KRAS:SOS1, MEK1/2 and PI3K signaling in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Male mice had less tumor infiltration of CD8-positive cells, developed bigger tumors, had more lung metastasis and a lower probability of survival compared to female mice. These more severe pathological features in male animals were accompanied by higher distress at the end of the experiment. The evaluated inhibitors BI-3406, trametinib and BKM120 showed synergistic effects in vitro. This combinatorial therapy reduced tumor weight more efficiently in male animals, although the drug concentrations were similar in the tumors of both sexes. These results underline the importance of sex-specific preclinical research and at the same time provide a solid basis for future studies with the tested compounds.

Robustness of a multivariate composite score when evaluating distress of animal models for gastrointestinal diseases

The fundament of an evidence-based severity assessment in laboratory animal science is reliable distress parameters. Many readouts are used to evaluate and determine animal distress and the severity of experimental procedures. Therefore, we analyzed four distinct parameters like the body weight, burrowing behavior, nesting, and distress score in the four gastrointestinal animal models (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), pancreatitis, CCl₄ intoxication, and bile duct ligation (BDL)). Further, we determined the parameters' robustness in various experimental subgroups due to slight variations like drug treatment or telemeter implantations. We used non-parametric bootstrapping to get robust estimates and 95% confidence intervals for the experimental groups. It was found that the performance of the readout parameters is model-dependent and that the distress score is prone to experimental variation. On the other hand, we also found that burrowing and nesting can be more robust than, e.g., the body weight when evaluating PDA. However, the body weight still was highly robust in BDL, pancreatitis, and CCl₄ intoxication. To address the complex nature of the multi-dimensional severity space, we used the Relative Severity Assessment (RELSA) procedure to combine multiple distress parameters into a score and mapped the subgroups and models against a defined reference set obtained by telemeter implantation. This approach allowed us to compare the severity of individual animals in the experimental subgroups using the maximum achieved severity (RELSA_max). With this, the following order of severity was found for the animal models: CCl₄ < PDA ≈ Pancreatitis < BDL. Furthermore, the robustness of the RELSA procedure and outcome was externally validated with a reference set from another laboratory also obtained from telemeter implantation. Since the RELSA procedure reflects the multi-dimensional severity information and is highly robust in estimating the quantitative severity within and between models, it can be deemed a valuable tool for laboratory animal severity assessment.

Inhibition of KRAS, MEK and PI3K Demonstrate Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effects in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutations are widespread in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and contribute significantly to tumor initiation, progression, tumor relapse/resistance, and prognosis of patients. Although inhibitors against KRAS mutations have been developed, this therapeutic approach is not routinely used in PDAC patients. We investigated the anti-tumor efficacy of two KRAS inhibitors BI-3406 (KRAS::SOS1 inhibitor) and sotorasib (KRAS G12C inhibitor) alone or in combination with MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib and/or PI3K inhibitor buparlisib in seven PDAC cell lines. Whole transcriptomic analysis of combined inhibition and control groups were comparatively analyzed to explore the corresponding mechanisms of inhibitor combination. Both KRAS inhibitors and corresponding combinations exhibited cytotoxicity against specific PDAC cell lines. BI-3406 enhance the efficacy of trametinib and buparlisib in BXPC-3, ASPC-1 and MIA PACA-2, but not in CAPAN-1, while sotorasib enhances the efficacy of trametinib and buparlisib only in MIA PACA-2. The whole transcriptomic analysis demonstrates that the two triple-inhibitor combinations exert antitumor effects by affecting related cell functions, such as affecting the immune system, cell adhesion, cell migration, and cytokine binding. As well as directly involved in RAF/MEK/ERK pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway affect cell survival. Our current study confirmed inhibition of KRAS and its downstream pathways as a potential novel therapy for PDAC and provides fundamental data for in vivo evaluations.

Secukinumab demonstrated sustained retention, effectiveness and safety in a real-world setting in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: long-term results from an interim analysis of the SERENA study

BACKGROUND

Randomised controlled trials of secukinumab have shown sustained efficacy and a favourable safety profile in multiple manifestations of psoriatic disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the long-term, real-world retention, effectiveness, and safety of secukinumab in routine clinical practice for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis (PsO).

METHODS

SERENA (CAIN457A3403) is a large, ongoing, longitudinal, observational study conducted at 438 sites and 19 countries across Europe for an expected duration of up to 5 years in adult patients with moderate to severe PsO, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Patients received ≥16 weeks of secukinumab treatment before enrolment. This interim analysis presents data from PsO patients, who were enrolled in the study between October-2016-October-2018 and were observed for ≥2 years.

RESULTS

In total, 1756 patients (67.3% male) with a mean age of 48.4 years and body mass index of 28.8 kg/m² were included in the analysis. The secukinumab treatment retention rates after 1, 2 and 3 years in the study were 88.0%, 76.4% and 60.5%, respectively. Out of the 648 patients who discontinued the study, the most common reasons included lack of efficacy (42.6%), adverse event (17.4%), physician decision (12.2%) and subject decision (11.6%). Mean±SD absolute PASI was 21.0±13.0 at the start of treatment (n=1,564). At Baseline, the mean±SD PASI score reduced to 2.6±4.8 and remained low at Year 1 (2.3±4.3), Year 2 (1.9±3.6) and Year 3 (1.9±3.5). The safety profile of secukinumab during the SERENA study was consistent with its known safety profile, with no new safety signals reported. Particularly low rates of inflammatory bowel disease (0.3%; Incidence Rate [IR]:0.15), candida infections (3.1%; IR:1.43) and MACE (0.9%; IR:0.37) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Secukinumab showed high treatment persistence, sustained effectiveness and a favourable safety profile up to 3 years of follow-up in the real-world population of PsO patients observed in SERENA.

POS1053 LONG-TERM RETENTION, EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF SECUKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS OR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: RESULTS FROM THE OBSERVATIONAL SERENA STUDY

Background

SERENA is an ongoing, longitudinal, observational study of more than 2900 patients (pts) with moderate to severe psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) conducted at 438 sites across Europe with an expected duration of up to 5 years.1,2

Objectives

We report long-term results (at least 3 years follow up) on secukinumab (SEC) retention, effectiveness and safety in pts with active PsA or AS from the SERENA study.

Methods

This analysis includes data of 524 PsA and 473 AS pts enrolled in the study and followed up for at least 3 years. Pts (aged ≥18 years) with active PsA or AS were required to have received at least 16 weeks of SEC treatment before enrolment in the study. Retention rate was defined as the percentage of pts who have not discontinued SEC treatment. Effectiveness assessments included swollen and tender joint counts (SJC and TJC) in pts with PsA, and BASDAI score in pts with AS. Safety assessments included the number of pts with any adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs, treatment-emergent AEs, AEs of special interest and their incidence rates.

Results

The mean (SD) treatment duration prior to enrolment in the study for PsA and AS pts was 1.0 (0.5) years and 0.9 (0.5) years, while time since diagnosis was 8.7 (7.4) and 9.8 (9.5) years, respectively. Prior to SEC initiation, 67.4% of pts with PsA and 63.0% of pts with AS received a biologic therapy, with lack of efficacy reported as major reason for discontinuation (PsA: 89.5%; AS: 87.6%). SEC retention rates after at least 3 years since enrolment in the study were 67.3% for pts with PsA and 72.1% for pts with AS. Survival probabilities for individual indications are presented in Figure 1. Over 3 years of observation, SEC showed sustained effectiveness in pts with PsA [SJC, mean (SD): baseline, 3.2 (5.6); Year 3, 1.7 (2.7) and TJC: baseline, 6.4 (9.4); Year 3, 4.9 (6.4)] and AS [BASDAI, mean (SD): baseline, 3.2 (2.3); Year 3, 2.7 (2.2)]. No new or unexpected safety signals were reported; 11.0% of pts with PsA (N=574) and 12.9% of pts with AS (N=505) reported serious AEs (Table 1).

Table 1.

Overall safety profile within the study period (Safety set)

Variable, n (%) unless otherwise specifiedPsA (N=574)AS (N=505)Pts with AE (≥1)327 (57.0)291 (57.6)Pts with SAE (≥1)63 (11.0)65 (12.9)AE leading to death3 (0.5)3 (0.6)AE leading to discontinuation119 (20.7)81 (16.0)Treatment emergent AE leading to discontinuation (in >1% pts in any group)n (%)IRn (%)IRGeneral disorders and administration site conditions74 (12.9)4.9050 (9.9)3.75Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders13 (2.3)0.863 (0.6)0.22Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders26 (4.5)1.729 (1.8)0.67Infections and infestations2 (0.3)0.137 (1.4)0.52Gastrointestinal disorders2 (0.3)0.133 (0.6)0.22Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)4 (0.7)0.263 (0.6)0.22Injury, poisoning and procedural complications002 (0.4)0.15Treatment emergent AE of special interest (PT)n (%)IRn (%)IRCandida infections2 (0.3)0.134 (0.8)0.30Malignancy8 (1.4)0.535 (1.0)0.37MACE3 (0.5)0.204 (0.8)0.30Injection site reaction002 (0.4)0.15Inflammatory bowel disease1 (0.2)0.072 (0.4)0.15

Safety set consisted of pts who received at least one dose of SEC treatment after signing the informed consent

AE, adverse event; AS, ankylosing spondylitis; IR, incidence rate; MACE, major adverse cardiac events; N, total number of pts; n, number of pts; PsA, psoriatic arthritis; pts, patients; PT, preferred term; SAE, serious adverse event; SEC, secukinumab

Conclusion

After more than 3 years of observation in the SERENA study, SEC showed sustained retention rates, indicating high persistence in a real-world setting. Responses across effectiveness assessments in both PsA and AS cohorts were maintained or improved during the 3 years of follow up in the study. SEC showed a favourable safety profile, consistent with previous reports.

References

[1]Kiltz, U et al. Adv Ther 2020;37:2865–83

[2]Kiltz, U et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2021;80:337–38

Disclosure of Interests

Uta Kiltz Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Nicola Gullick Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Astra Zeneca, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB, PELAGIA KATSIMPRI Speakers bureau: AbbVie, UCB, Genesis Pharma, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, UCB, Genesis Pharma, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, UCB, Genesis Pharma, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Anastassios Kotrotsios: None declared, Jan Brandt-Juergens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Eric Lespessailles Speakers bureau: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, and research grants from Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB, Consultant of: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, and research grants from Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB, Nicola Maiden Consultant of: Eli-Lilly and UCB, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Daniel Peterlik Employee of: Novartis, Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Piotr Jagiello Employee of: Novartis

Digital Health Literacy – results of a representative survey among adults in Germany

 

Whereas the concept of health literacy has already found its place in Public Health, this is less the case for digital health literacy (DiHL). To investigate the distribution of digital health literacy in the German adult population, we used a definition encompassing individual, social and technical competencies and resources to search, find, understand, apply and evaluate digital health information. We conducted a representative survey including 8.500 persons aged 18-75 years, based on an online access panel. All participants filled a questionnaire which covered the seven domains of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI). Demographic information for participants was available through existing panel data. Optimal cut points to categorize digital health literacy were developed via regression modelling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling, comparing the two lower categories of DIHL against high/very high DiHL. Results are presented via odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 52.4% of respondents were categorized as having low or moderate DiHL (W: 51.2%; M: 53.7%). There were few differences according to age group and migration status. Those with higher educational attainment also scored higher in terms of DiHL. Operative competencies were generally rated high, whereas the evaluation of reliability of content scored lowest. In the regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for limited DiHL was 2.01 (95%CI 1.51;2.67) among those with poor or very poor self-reported health. Digital health literacy addresses a complex set of competencies and resources. More than half of the adult German population report a limited digital health literacy according to this nationwide survey. Impaired health is associated with low digital health literacy, and many have difficulties assessing the reliability of digital content. This is troublesome as more and more health-related information becomes digitalized.

Key messages

More than half of the German adult population reports limited digital health literacy. Poor health status was found to be associated with low digital health literacy.

POS0930 SECUKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND AXIAL MANIFESTATIONS: PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE FROM THE DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMISED, PHASE 3B MAXIMISE TRIAL

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a heterogeneous disease with variability of response to different therapeutic modalities.1 Identifying potential demographic and disease characteristics as predictors of treatment response may define personalised treatment optimisation strategies.2–3

Objectives:

This post-hoc exploratory analysis of the MAXIMISE trial4 investigated the differential treatment effect of demographics and baseline characteristics as predictive factors in biologic naïve patients with active PsA and symptoms of active spinal disease.

Methods:

The full analysis set (FAS) comprised of all patients from the randomised set assigned to study treatment, fulfilling the predefined clinical criteria for active axial disease and for whom Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) 20 data were available at Week 12. The research hypothesis was that the odds ratio associated with the effect of treatment on ASAS20 responder status at Week 12 would be different depending on 12 pre-specified predictor variables. A logistic regression model was initially fitted to the FAS that included 12 pre-specified covariates. A second logistic regression model was then fitted to the FAS that allowed for all 12 pre-specified variables to interact with treatment.5 The log-likelihood of the two fitted models were compared using a likelihood ratio test at a pre-specified significance level of 20% (i.e. P-value ≤0.20) to test whether any of the predefined variables interacted with treatment. If the above test was statistically significant at the 20% level of statistical significance the variables of the second model were formally examined to determine whether the overall effect of treatment is not applicable. Three forest plots were produced, one for each treatment group. Hypothesis tests were employed to determine the strength of evidence for each individual variable.

Results:

The likelihood ratio test provided evidence against the assumption that the overall effect of treatment is applicable to all patients (P-value = 0.08). Notably, the odds of being an ASAS20 responder if nail dystrophy is present at baseline were 3 times greater in the secukinumab 150 mg group and 5 times greater in the 300 mg group compared with placebo (interaction P-value = 0.029). Although males fare worse than females in the placebo group, in the secukinumab 150 mg and 300 mg treatment groups the odds of being a responder were similar to females (interaction P-value = 0.039). Current smokers were less likely to be ASAS20 responders compared to never smokers regardless of treatment group (interaction P-value = 0.589) (Figure 1). Age, CRP level, Berlin MRI spine/SIJ score, time since first axial signs, number of swollen joints, new bone formation and BMI did not show a differential treatment effect on ASAS20 responses.

Conclusion:

Of the 12 baseline variables of a unique population of 473 PsA patients with active axial disease diagnosed by clinical criteria, our analyses showed evidence of a differential treatment effect most notably for nail dystrophy suggesting that the presence of nail dystrophy may predict a better response to secukinumab in PsA patients with axial manifestations.

References:

[1]Coates LC, Helliwell PS. Clin Med (Lond). 2017;17(1):65–70.

[2]Watson DS, et al. BMJ. 2019;364:l886.

[3]Hügle M, et al. Rheumatol Adv Pract. 2020;4(1):rkaa005.

[4]Baraliakos X, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. Published Online First: 17 Dec 2020. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218808.

[5]Peto R, et al. Br J Cancer. 1977;35(1):1–39.

Figure 1.

Forest plots of the adjusted odds ratio by treatment using interaction modelDisclosure of Interests:

Xenofon Baraliakos Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Galapagos, Gilead, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, and Novartis., Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Laure Gossec Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Biogen, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Samsung Bioepis, Sanofi-Aventis, and UCB., Grant/research support from: Amgen, Lilly, Janssen, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi, and Galapagos., Helena Marzo-Ortega Consultant of: Janssen, Novartis, AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Takeda and UCB., Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Takeda and UCB., Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Genentech, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galapagos, Celgene, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Galapagos, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB., Roisin White Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Eamonn O’Brien Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Laura C Coates Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Gilead, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novartis.

POS0234 SECUKINUMAB RETENTION AND SAFETY IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS OR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: 2 YEAR INTERIM RESULTS OF THE OBSERVATIONAL SERENA STUDY

Background:

SERENA is an ongoing, prospective, non-interventional study evaluating retention, effectiveness, safety/tolerability and quality of life in more than 2900 patients (pts) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with secukinumab (SEC) at 438 sites across Europe for a period of up to 5 years1.

Objectives:

We present interim results reporting SEC treatment retention and safety data through 2 years in the PsA and AS pts enrolled in the study.

Methods:

This interim analysis presents data from 534 PsA and 470 AS pts who were enrolled (target population fulfilling all eligibility criteria) in the study and were followed up for at least 2 years. Pts (aged ≥18 years) with active PsA or AS should have received at least 16 weeks SEC treatment before enrolment in the study1. Retention rate was defined as the percentage of pts who have not discontinued SEC treatment. A treatment break was defined as interruption of therapy for at least 3 months after last injection.

Results:

The mean treatment duration prior to enrolment in the study was 1.0 year and 0.91 year for PsA and AS, respectively. The retention rates for SEC after 1 year since enrolment and since initiation of treatment were: PsA, 85.2% [n=519, CI: 82.01–88.32] and 96.8% [n=528, CI: 95.18–98.38]; AS, 85.8% [n=452, CI: 82.52–89.17] and 94.2% [n=464, CI: 91.94–96.42], respectively. After 2 years since enrolment and since initiation of treatment, the retention rates were: PsA, 74.9% [n=498, CI: 70.99–78.81] and 87.0% [n=515, CI: 83.99–89.99]; AS, 78.9% [n=437, CI: 75.01–82.88] and 84.8% [n=454, CI: 81.39–88.21], respectively. Survival probabilities for individual indications are presented in Figure 1. At baseline, the majority of PsA (79.5%; n/N=423/532) pts were receiving SEC 300 mg, while 97.0% (n/N=456/470) of AS pts were receiving SEC 150 mg. The majority of pts continued their initial SEC dose; “no dose change” in SEC treatment was reported after 1 and 2 years in the study (Year 1: PsA, 93.4% [n=499] and AS, 92.6% [n=435]; Year 2: PsA, 89.7% [n=479] and AS, 87.9% [n=413]). SEC treatment break was recorded for 31 PsA pts [median (min, max) treatment break duration in days: 125.0 (61, 461)] and for 42 AS [118.0 (61, 813)] pts mainly due to adverse events reported in 58.1% (n=18) and 45.2% (n=19) of pts, respectively. The retreatment started with monthly dosing in most of the cases: PsA, 80.6% (n/N=25/31) and AS, 76.2% (n/N=32/42). No new or unexpected safety signals were reported (Table 1).

Table 1.

Safety profile of treatment-emergent adverse events within the study period

AE summary, n (%)PsA N=575AS N=499Year 1Year 2Year 1Year 2Subject with any AE239 (41.6)289 (50.3)203 (40.7)247 (49.5)Subject with any serious AE29 (5.0)45 (7.8)29 (5.8)44 (8.8)Subject with AE leading to discontinuation55 (9.6)84 (14.6)47 (9.4)62 (12.4)Death0 (0.0)0 (0.0)0 (0.0)1 (0.2)AEs of special interest, n (IR per 100 subject-years)Serious infections and infestations5 (0.96)9 (0.95)8 (1.78)11 (1.33)Candida infections1 (0.19)2 (0.21)2 (0.44)2 (0.24)Malignancy5 (0.96)7 (0.74)N/R3 (0.36)Major adverse cardiovascular eventsN/R1 (0.11)2 (0.44)3 (0.36)Inflammatory bowel diseaseN/RN/R1 (0.22)1 (0.12)

N, total number of patients in the safety set; n, number of patients with event; AE, adverse events; IR, incidence rate; N/R, not reported.

Conclusion:

Secukinumab retention rates in a real world setting after more than 2 years since initiation of treatment and after 2 years since enrolment in the study indicate high persistence rates. Safety data collected prospectively for up to 2 years confirm the favorable safety profile of secukinumab.

References:

[1]Kiltz, U et al. Adv Ther 2020; 37:2865–83.

Disclosure of Interests:

Uta Kiltz Consultant of: AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Biocad, Biogen, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Grünenthal, Hexal, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Petros Sfikakis Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and Pfizer, Nicola Gullick Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB., Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Izana, Janssen, Novartis, UCB., Athina Theodoridou Consultant of: UCB, Amgen, Novartis, Jan Brandt-Juergens Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, Lilly, MSD, UCB, BMS, Janssen, and Medac, Eric Lespessailles Speakers bureau: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, Consultant of: Amgen, Expanscience, Lilly and MSD, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Lilly, MSD and UCB, Rasho Rashkov Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, UCB, Roche and Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Pfizer, Novartis, MSD, UCB, Roche and Janssen, Jenny Fang Employee of: Novartis, Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Piotr Jagiello Employee of: Novartis, Karl Gaffney Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Lilly, Pfizer, Gilead, MSD, Novartis and UCB.

Direct optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells to control gastric contractility

Rationale: Antral peristalsis is responsible for gastric emptying. Its failure is called gastroparesis and often caused by dysfunction of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Current treatment options, including gastric electrical stimulation, are non-satisfying and may improve symptoms but commonly fail to restore gastric emptying. Herein, we explore direct optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) via the light-gated non-selective cation channel Channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) to control gastric motor function.

Methods: We used a transgenic mouse model expressing ChR2 in fusion with eYFP under the control of the chicken-β-actin promoter. We performed patch clamp experiments to quantify light-induced currents in isolated SMC, Ca²⁺ imaging and isometric force measurements of antral smooth muscle strips as well as pressure recordings of intact stomachs to evaluate contractile responses. Light-induced propulsion of gastric contents from the isolated stomach preparation was quantified in video recordings. We furthermore tested optogenetic stimulation in a gastroparesis model induced by neuronal- and ICC-specific damage through methylene blue photo-toxicity.

Results: In the stomachs, eYFP signals were restricted to SMC in which blue light (460 nm) induced inward currents typical for ChR2. These depolarizing currents led to contractions in antral smooth muscle strips that were stronger than those triggered by supramaximal electrical field stimulation and comparable to those evoked by global depolarization with high K⁺ concentration. In the intact stomach, panoramic illumination efficiently increased intragastric pressure achieving 239±46% (n=6) of the pressure induced by electrical field stimulation and triggered gastric transport. Within the gastroparesis model, electric field stimulation completely failed but light still efficiently generated pressure waves.

Conclusions: We demonstrate direct optogenetic stimulation of SMC to control gastric contractility. This completely new approach could allow for the restoration of motility in gastroparesis in the future.

Bound on 3+1 Active-Sterile Neutrino Mixing from the First Four-Week Science Run of KATRIN

We report on the light sterile neutrino search from the first four-week science run of the KATRIN experiment in 2019. Beta-decay electrons from a high-purity gaseous molecular tritium source are analyzed by a high-resolution MAC-E filter down to 40 eV below the endpoint at 18.57 keV. We consider the framework with three active neutrinos and one sterile neutrino. The analysis is sensitive to the mass, m_{4}, of the fourth mass state for m_{4}^{2}≲1000  eV^{2} and to active-to-sterile neutrino mixing down to |U_{e4}|^{2}≳2×10^{-2}. No significant spectral distortion is observed and exclusion bounds on the sterile mass and mixing are reported. These new limits supersede the Mainz results for m_{4}^{2}≲1000  eV^{2} and improve the Troitsk bound for m_{4}^{2}<30  eV^{2}. The reactor and gallium anomalies are constrained for 100<Δm_{41}^{2}<1000  eV^{2}.

OP0053 SECUKINUMAB IMPROVES CLINICAL AND IMAGING OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND AXIAL MANIFESTATIONS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO NSAIDS: WEEK 52 RESULTS FROM THE MAXIMISE TRIAL

Background:

Although axial disease may affect up to 70% of patients (pts) with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), evidence on the efficacy of biologics in the treatment of axial manifestations in such pts is limited,1particularly as validated classification criteria for this subtype of PsA are not yet available. MAXIMISE (NCT02721966) is the first randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a biologic in the management of the axial manifestations of PsA and showed that secukinumab (SEC) 300 and 150 mg provided rapid and significant improvement in ASAS20 responses in these pts through week (Wk) 12.2

Objectives:

To present 52 wks efficacy results and imaging data from the MAXIMISE trial.

Methods:

This phase 3b, double-blind, placebo (PBO)-controlled, multicentre 52-wk trial included 498 pts (aged ≥18 years) with a diagnosis of PsA and classified by CASPAR criteria, spinal pain VAS score ≥ 40/100 and BASDAI score ≥ 4 despite use of at least two NSAIDs. Pts were randomised to SEC 300 mg (N=167) or SEC 150 mg (N=165) or PBO (N=166) wkly for 4 wks and every 4 wks thereafter. At Wk 12, PBO pts were re-randomised to SEC 300/150 mg. The primary endpoint was ASAS20 response with SEC 300 mg at Wk 12. The key secondary endpoint was ASAS20 response with SEC 150 mg at Wk 12. Wk 52 data are presented as observed. Bone marrow oedema of the entire spine and sacroiliac joints were assessed centrally with Berlin MRI scores at Baseline, Wk 12 and Wk 52.

Results:

Primary and key secondary endpoints were met; ASAS20 responses were sustained and increased further through Wk 52. 75%/79.7% of the PBO pts re-randomised at Wk 12 to SEC 300/150 mg achieved ASAS20 response at Wk 52 (Figure 1). ASAS40 responses at Wk 52 were 69.1% [SEC 300 mg], 64.5% [SEC 150 mg], 62.5% [PBO-SEC 300 mg], and 54.1% [PBO-SEC 150 mg]. At baseline, 59.5% [SEC 300 mg], 53.5% [SEC 150 mg] and 64.2% [PBO] of the pts had positive MRIs for the sacroiliac joints and/or the spine with Berlin MRI score ≥1. The reductions of Berlin MRI score for entire spine and sacroiliac joints were statistically significant for pts treated with SEC 300/150 mg vs. placebo (Figure 2a and b). There were no new or unexpected safety findings.

Figure 1.

ASAS20 Response over 52 Wks*

Figure 2.

Total Berlin MRI score for the Entire Spine and Sacroiliac Joints at Wk 12

Conclusion:

Secukinumab improved all evaluated ASAS responses through Wk 52 in PsA pts with axial manifestations and inadequate responses to NSAIDs and led to significant reduction of inflammatory MRI lesions in the spine and the Sacroiliac Joints. The safety profile of secukinumab through Wk 52 was consistent with previous reports.3-4

References:

[1]McInnes IB, et al.Lancet.2015;386(9999):1137–46.

[2]Baraliakos X, et al.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71 (suppl 10).

[3]Langley RG, et al.N Engl J Med.2014;371:326–38.

[4]Sieper J, et al.Ann Rheum Dis.2016;0:1–8.

Acknowledgments:

The study was sponsored by Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.

Disclosure of Interests:

Xenofon Baraliakos Grant/research support from: Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB and Werfen, Laure Gossec Grant/research support from: Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Sławomir Jeka Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, MSD, Sandoz, Eli Lilly, Egis, UCB, Celgene, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, MSD, Sandoz, Eli Lilly, Egis, UCB, Celgene, Ricardo Blanco Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Roche, Consultant of: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, UCB Pharma and MSD, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Bristol-Myers, Janssen, UCB Pharma. MSD, Salvatore D’Angelo Consultant of: AbbVie, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, and UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and Sanofi, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Michael Rissler Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Kriti Nagar Employee of: Novartis, Chiara Perella Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Laura C Coates: None declared

AB0659 SECUKINUMAB PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OF SPINAL PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE 24-WEEK PHASE 3 SKIPPAIN STUDY

Background:

Spinal inflammation causing back pain is a hallmark of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) mainly affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine.1Spinal pain is the most burdensome symptom resulting in substantial functional limitations and impairment of health-related quality of life.

Objectives:

SKIPPAIN (NCT03136861) evaluated efficacy and safety of secukinumab (SEC) in reducing spinal pain in patients (pts) with axSpA who had an inadequate response to NSAIDs.

Methods:

SKIPPAIN, a 24 week (wk), randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial, enrolled axSpA pts (aged ≥18 years) with active disease defined by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score ≥4 and average spinal pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score >4 at baseline (BL) and inadequate response to ≥2 NSAIDs ≥4 wks. The trial had a PBO-controlled period from BL to Wk 8 and a SEC 150/300 mg period from Wk 8 to Wk 24. Primary and key secondary endpoints were superiority of SEC 150 mg compared to PBO in achieving average spinal pain score <4 on a 0–10 NRS and BASDAI score <4 at Wk 8, respectively.

Results:

380 axSpA pts (269 (70.8%) AS and 111 (29.2%) nr-axSpA) were randomised to SEC 150 mg (N=285) or PBO (N=95). Demographic and BL characteristics are presented inTable 1. Proportion of responders, in terms of average spinal pain, was 31.9% vs. 20.0% for SEC vs PBO (p<0.05) and proportion of pts with BASDAI score of <4 was 33.3% vs. 23.2% for SEC vs PBO (p<0.05), respectively at Wk 8 (Table 2). After Wk 8, responder rates increased with SEC treatment. No unexpected safety events were reported.

Conclusion:

Secukinumab provided significant improvement of spinal pain in pts with axSpA. SEC was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with previous reports.2

References:

[1]Danve A & Deodhar A.Clin Rheumatol. 2019;38:625-34.

[2]Deodhar A, et al.Arthritis Res Ther. 2019;21(1):111.

Table 1.

Patient Demographics and BL Characteristics

CharacteristicSEC 150 mgN = 285PBON = 95Age (years)142.3 (11.9)40.9 (12.2)Female2106 (37.2)39 (41.1)Time since onset of back pain (years)113.2 (10.1)12.3 (9.6)HLA-B27 positive2233 (81.8)76 (80.0)hsCRP (mg/L)113.0 (21.5)13.2 (23.5)Elevated hsCRP (>5 mg/L)2140 (49.1)49 (51.6)Previous exposure to TNF-α inhibitors234 (11.9)11 (11.6)Spinal pain NRS Score, 0-10 (average)17.27 (1.37)7.31 (1.31)Spinal pain NRS Score, 0-10 (nocturnal)17.31 (1.42)7.40 (1.35)Spinal pain NRS Score, 0-10 (total)17.23 (1.51)7.22 (1.48)BASDAI17.09 (1.22)6.91 (1.38)ASDAS13.75 (0.89)3.67 (0.84)Peripheral arthritis2104 (36.5)30 (31.6)

1mean (Standard Deviation),2n (%).

hsCRP, high-sensitivity CRP; N, number of randomized pts; n, number of evaluable pts; NRS, numerical rating scale

Table 2.

Inferential Analysis of Achieving Spinal Pain and BASDAI Score <4.0 Using Logistic Regression Model at Wk 8

VariableTreatment Groupn/N (%)Odds ratio versus PBO95% CIP-valueSpinal Pain NRS Score (Average)SEC 150 mg91/285(31.9)1.89(1.08, 3.33)0.0264PBO19/95(20.0)Spinal Pain NRS Score (Nocturnal)SEC 150 mg77/285(27.0)1.72(0.95, 3.10)0.0720PBO17/95(17.9)Spinal Pain NRS Score (Total)SEC 150 mg92/285(32.3)2.38(1.31, 4.31)0.0043PBO16/95(16.8)BASDAI scoreSEC150 mg95/285(33.3)1.75(1.01, 3.04)0.0466PBO22/95(23.2)

P-values are from a Logistic regression model with treatment as the principle factor and prior exposure to TNF inhibitors and naïve/inadequate responders to TNF inhibitors as stratification factors.

Missing values were imputed as non-responders. N, Number of randomised pts; n, Number of pts who are responders/evaluable pts.

Disclosure of Interests:

Denis Poddubnyy Grant/research support from: AbbVie, MSD, Novartis, and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Effie Pournara Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Agnieszka Zielińska Consultant of: Novartis, Pfizer, Asta Baranauskaite Consultant of: AbbVie, Speakers bureau: Novartis, AbbVie, Amgen, Roche, KRKA, Alejandro Muñoz Jimenez.: None declared, Preeti Kumari Employee of: Novartis Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Barbara Schulz Employee of: Novartis, Michael Rissler Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Chiara Perella Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Helena Marzo-Ortega Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, Takeda, UCB

Aetiology of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex and Prevalence of its Pathogens in Europe

The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is an endemic worldwide syndrome involving multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. Traditionally, Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine herpesvirus (CHV) and canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV) were considered the major causative agents. Lately, new pathogens have been implicated in the development of CIRDC, namely canine influenza virus (CIV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV), canine pneumovirus (CnPnV), Mycoplasma cynos and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. To better understand the role of the different pathogens in the development of CIRDC and their epidemiological relevance in Europe, prevalence data were collected from peer-reviewed publications and summarized. Evidence of exposure to Bb is frequently found in healthy and diseased dogs and client-owned dogs are as likely to be infected as kennelled dogs. Co-infections with viral pathogens are common. The findings confirm that Bb is an important cause of CIRDC in Europe. CAV-2 and CDV recovery rates from healthy and diseased dogs are low and the most likely explanation for this is control through vaccination. Seroconversion to CHV can be demonstrated following CIRDC outbreaks and CHV has been detected in the lower respiratory tract of diseased dogs. There is some evidence that CHV is not a primary cause of CIRDC, but opportunistically re-activates at the time of infection and exacerbates the disease. The currently available data suggest that CIV is, at present, neither a prevalent nor a significant pathogen in Europe. CPiV remains an important pathogen in CIRDC and facilitates co-infection with other viral and bacterial pathogens. CnPnV and CRCoV are important new elements in the aetiology of CIRDC and spread particularly well in multi-dog establishments. M. cynos is common in Europe and is more likely to occur in younger and kennelled dogs. This organism is frequently found together with other CIRDC pathogens and is significantly associated with more severe respiratory signs. S. zooepidemicus infection is not common and appears to be a particular problem in kennels. Protective immunity against respiratory diseases is rarely complete, and generally only a reduction in clinical signs and excretion of pathogen can be achieved through vaccination. However, even vaccines that only reduce and do not prevent infection carry epidemiological advantages. They reduce spread, increase herd immunity and decrease usage of antimicrobials. Recommending vaccination of dogs against pathogens of CIRDC will directly provide epidemiological advantages to the population and the individual dog.

Improved Upper Limit on the Neutrino Mass from a Direct Kinematic Method by KATRIN

We report on the neutrino mass measurement result from the first four-week science run of the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino experiment KATRIN in spring 2019. Beta-decay electrons from a high-purity gaseous molecular tritium source are energy analyzed by a high-resolution MAC-E filter. A fit of the integrated electron spectrum over a narrow interval around the kinematic end point at 18.57 keV gives an effective neutrino mass square value of (-1.0_{-1.1}^{+0.9})  eV^{2}. From this, we derive an upper limit of 1.1 eV (90% confidence level) on the absolute mass scale of neutrinos. This value coincides with the KATRIN sensitivity. It improves upon previous mass limits from kinematic measurements by almost a factor of 2 and provides model-independent input to cosmological studies of structure formation.

A comparative proteomic analysis of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough in response to the antimicrobial agent free nitrous acid

Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) can contribute to facilitating serious concrete corrosion through the production of hydrogen sulfide in sewers. Recently, free nitrous acid (FNA) was discovered as a promising antimicrobial agent to inhibit SRB activities thereby limiting hydrogen sulfide production in sewers. However, knowledge of the bacterial response to increasing levels of the antimicrobial agent is unknown. Here we report the proteomic response of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough and reveal that the antimicrobial effect of FNA is multi-targeted and dependent on the FNA levels. This was achieved using a sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectrometry analysis to determine protein abundance variations in D. vulgaris during exposure to different FNA concentrations. When exposed to 1.0 μg N/L FNA, nitrite reduction (nitrite reductase) related proteins and nitrosative stress related proteins, including the hybrid cluster protein, showed distinct increased abundances. When exposed to 4.0 and 8.0 μg N/L FNA, increased abundance was detected for proteins putatively involved in nitrite reduction. Abundance of proteins involved in the sulfate reduction pathway (from adenylylphophosulfate to sulfite) and lactate oxidation pathway (from pyruvate to acetate) were initially inhibited in response to FNA at 8 h incubation, and then recovered at 12 h incubation. Lowered ribosomal protein abundance in D. vulgaris was detected, however, total cellular protein levels were mostly constant in the presence or absence of FNA. In addition, this study indicates that proteins coded by genes DVU2543, DVU0772, and DVU3212 potentially participate in resisting oxidative stress with FNA exposure. These findings share new insights for understanding the dynamic responses of D. vulgaris to FNA and could be useful to guide and improve the practical applications of FNA-based technologies for control of sewer corrosion.

Native Friends and Host Country Identification among Adolescent Immigrants in Germany: The Role of Ethnic Boundaries

Many studies find that high shares of native friends are positively related to immigrant youths’ identification with the host country. By examining various immigrant groups together, these studies imply that having native friends matters in the same way for the national identification in different immigrant groups. In contrast, we argue that the extent to which having native friends affects immigrants’ national identification depends on both immigrant group characteristics and the receiving context, especially on ethnic boundaries and related group differences in perceived discrimination and the compatibility of ethnic and national identities. Analyses based on data from the National Educational Panel Study in Germany that are representative of 15-year-old adolescents in secondary schools indeed reveal pronounced group differences: While national identification of ethnic German repatriates as well as of adolescents of former Yugoslavian and Southern European origin is related to the share of native friends, as hypothesized, we do not find this association for immigrants of Turkish and Polish origin. Our finding underlines the importance of theoretically as well as empirically accounting for group differences.

Mechanisms of Persistence of the Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria Nitrosomonas to the Biocide Free Nitrous Acid

Free nitrous acid (FNA) exerts a broad range of antimicrobial effects on bacteria, although susceptibility varies considerably among microorganisms. Among nitrifiers found in activated sludge of wastewater treatment processes (WWTPs), nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) are more susceptible to FNA compared to ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). This selective inhibition of NOB over AOB in WWTPs bypasses nitrate production and improves the efficiency and costs of the nitrogen removal process in both the activated sludge and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) system. However, the molecular mechanisms governing this atypical tolerance of AOB to FNA have yet to be understood. Herein we investigate the varying effects of the antimicrobial FNA on activated sludge containing AOB and NOB using an integrated metagenomics and label-free quantitative sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH-MS) metaproteomic approach. The Nitrosomonas genus of AOB, on exposure to FNA, maintains internal homeostasis by upregulating a number of known oxidative stress enzymes, such as pteridine reductase and dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase. Denitrifying enzymes were upregulated on exposure to FNA, suggesting the detoxification of nitrite to nitric oxide. Interestingly, proteins involved in stress response mechanisms, such as DNA and protein repair enzymes, phage prevention proteins, and iron transport proteins, were upregulated on exposure to FNA. In addition enzymes involved in energy generation were also upregulated on exposure to FNA. The total proteins specifically derived from the NOB genus Nitrobacter was low and, as such, did not allow for the elucidation of the response mechanism to FNA exposure. These findings give us an understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of tolerance within the AOB Nitrosomonas to the biocidal agent FNA.

Identification and Validation of a Salivary Protein Panel to Detect Heart Failure Early

BACKGROUND

Over 26 million people suffer from heart failure (HF) globally. Current diagnosis of HF relies on clinical evaluation, blood assays and imaging techniques. Our aim is to develop a diagnostic assay to detect HF in at risk individuals within the community using human saliva as a medium, potentially leading to a simple, safe early warning system.

METHODS

Saliva samples were collected from healthy controls (n=36) and HF patients (n=75). Salivary proteome profiles were analysed by Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical fragment ion spectra - Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS). A total of 738 proteins were quantified and 177 proteins demonstrated significant differences between HF patients and healthy controls. Candidate biomarkers were chosen based on their abundance and difference between the two cohorts. A multi-protein panel was developed using logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic performance of the multi-protein panel was assessed using receiver operative characteristic curves. The candidate proteins were further confirmed, using western blot analysis, and validated technically, using an independent biological cohort.

RESULTS

A group of six proteins were chosen in the discovery phase as potential candidates based on their differences in the abundance between the two cohorts. During the validation phase, two of the proteins were not detected with western blotting and as such were removed. The final panel consists of four proteins with sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 62.5% with an area under ROC curve of 0.78 in discriminating healthy controls from NYHA class I/II HF patients, and was validated in a second independent cohort study.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of salivary proteome using SWATH-MS revealed novel HF-specific protein candidates yielding high diagnostic performance. A multi-centre longitudinal clinical trial will be the next step before clinical implementation of this panel.

Synthesis and characterization of new silicon-containing poly(arylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s

New silicon-containing aromatic polyhydrazides were synthesized by low-temperature solution polycondensation reaction of bis(p-chlorocarbonylphenyl)diphenylsilane with various aromatic dihydrazides, or of bis(p-carbohydrazidophenyl)diphenylsilane with diacid chlorides. The corresponding poly(arylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s wvere prepared by thermal cyclodehydration in the solid state. The cyclization process takes place at temperatures in the range of 250-300 IC. The resulting silicon-containing poly(arylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole)s are soluble in common organic solvents and have good film-forming abilities. They are stable up to 420-480 'C and their glass transition temperature is in the range of 262-278C.

Study of the crosslinking process in fluorinated poly(imide-amide)s containing pendant cyano groups

Fluorinated poly(imide-amide)s containing pendant cyano groups have been synthesized by solution polycondensation of aromatic diamines which contain cyano groups with diacid chlorides which have both hexafluoroisopropylidene and imnide groups. Thermal crosslinking of these polymers has been attempted in NMP, or by heating the polymer films up to 370-400 'C. The solubility, thermal stability, glass transition temperature and dielectric constant of both linear and crosslinked polymers have been studied.

Investigation of Thin Films Made from Silicon-Containing Polyphenylquinoxaline-Amides

Thin films in the range of 50 nm to 10 μm thickness have been prepared from NMP solutions of silicon-containing polyphenylquinoxaline-amides which had been synthesized by the polycondensation reaction of aromatic diaminophenylquinoxalines with bis( p-chlorocarbonylphenyl)diphenylsilane. A spin-coating technique onto glass plates or onto silicon wafers was used to make the films, followed by gradual heating to remove the solvent. The resulting films were very smooth and free of pinholes when studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). They showed a strong adhesion to silicon wafers, were thermally stable in air to above 400 °C and their dielectric constant was in the range of 3.5–3.7. Thermal treatment of the films was performed in order to induce crosslinking. Such treated films became completely insoluble in organic solvents, maintained their smoothness and strong adhesion to the silicon substrate, and did not show any Tg in DSC experiments. Their FTIR spectra in reflection mode did not show any changes compared with the untreated films, meaning on the one hand that the polymers maintain their structural integrity at high temperature and on the other hand that the number of crosslinks was very low and could not be detected by IR spectroscopy.

Multipass OPCPA system at 100 kHz pumped by a CPA-free solid-state amplifier

We present a compact few-cycle 100 kHz OPCPA system pumped by a CPA-free picosecond Nd:YVO₄ solid-state amplifier with all-optical synchronization to an ultra-broadband Ti:sapphire oscillator. This pump approach shows an exceptional conversion rate into the second harmonic of almost 78%. Efficient parametric amplification was realized by a two stage double-pass scheme with following chirped mirror compressor. The amount of superfluorescence was measured by an optical cross-correlation. Pulses with a duration of 8.7 fs at energies of 18 µJ are demonstrated. Due to the peak power of 1.26 GW, this simple OPCPA approach forms an ideal high repetition rate driving source for high-order harmonic generation.

Does origin always matter? Evaluating the influence of nonlocal seed provenances for ecological restoration purposes in a widespread and outcrossing plant species

For restoration purposes, nature conservation generally enforces the use of local seed material based on the "local-is-best" (LIB) approach. However, in some cases recommendations to refrain from this approach have been made. Here we test if a common widespread species with no obvious signs of local adaptation may be a candidate species for abandoning LIB during restoration. Using 10 microsatellite markers we compared population genetic patterns of the generalist species Daucus carota in indigenous and formerly restored sites (nonlocal seed provenances). Gene diversity overall ranged between H e = 0.67 and 0.86 and showed no significant differences between the two groups. Hierarchical AMOVA and principal component analysis revealed very high genetic population admixture and negligible differentiation between indigenous and restored sites (F CT = 0.002). Moreover, differentiation between groups was caused by only one outlier population, where inbreeding effects are presumed. We therefore conclude that the introduction of nonlocal seed provenances in the course of landscape restoration did not jeopardize regional species persistence by contributing to inbreeding or outbreeding depressions, or any measurable adverse population genetic effect. On the basis of these results, we see no obvious objections to the current practice to use the 10-fold cheaper, nonlocal seed material of D. carota for restoration projects.

Radiation dose and quickness of needle CT-interventions using a laser navigation system (LNS) compared with conventional method

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyse the radiation dose and quickness of needle interventions using a Laser Navigation System (LNS-group) compared with conventional method (control-group).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, comparative study 58 patients (19 females, 39 males; mean age, 62.9 years) were punctured either with LNS (n=29) or with conventional method with a skin mark of the puncture site (n=29). In the LNS method the puncture site was marked with laser without additional CT. Thoracic and abdominal intervention was performed in 30 and 28 patients, respectively. Radiation dose and time of the procedures were analysed. Statistical significance was calculated according to the Mann-Whitney-U-test.

RESULTS

Mean target access path in the patients of the LNS group was 6.0 cm (range, 3.0-10.1cm) and in the control group 6.0 cm (range, 1.0-10.3 cm). Time duration of complete intervention in the LNS group was 20:25 min (range, 07:00-34:00 min) and in the control group 28:00 min (range, 13:00-51:00 min). The dose-length-product (DLP) of intervention scan of the LNS group was 42.3 mGy cm (range, 10-125 mGy cm), and of the control group 59.7 mGy cm (range, 25-176.42 mGy cm).

CONCLUSION

Using the LNS for CT-guided interventions results in faster intervention time with a lower dose.

Seventy kilovolt ultra-low dose CT of the paranasal sinus: first clinical results

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic image quality and radiation dose of low-dose 70 kV computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinus in comparison to 100 and 120 kV CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT of the paranasal sinus was performed in 127 patients divided into three groups using different tube voltages and currents (70 kV/75 mAs, ultra-low dose protocol, n = 44; 100 kV/40 mAs, standard low-dose protocol, n = 42; 120 kV/40 mAs, standard protocol, n = 41). CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), attenuation, image noise and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared between the groups using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U-test. Subjective diagnostic image quality was compared by using a five-point scale (1 = non-diagnostic, 5 = excellent, read by two readers in consensus) and Cohen's weighted kappa analysis for interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

Radiation dose was significantly lower with 70 kV acquisition than 100 and 120 kV (DLP: 31 versus 52 versus 82 mGy·cm; CTDI 2.33 versus 3.95 versus 6.31 mGy, all p < 0.05). Mean SNR (70 kV: 0.37; 100 kV: 0.21; 120 kV: 0.13; p < 0.05) and organ attenuation increased significantly with lower voltages. All examinations showed diagnostic image quality. Subjective diagnostic image quality was higher with standard protocols than the 70 kV protocol (120 kV: 5.0; 100 kV: 4.5; 70 kV: 3.5, p < 0.05) without significant differences with substantial interobserver agreement (κ > 0.59).

CONCLUSION

The ultra-low dose (70 kV) CT imaging of the paranasal sinus allowed for significant dose reduction by 61% and an increased attenuation of organ structures in comparison to standard acquisition while maintaining diagnostic image quality with a slight reduction in subjective image quality.

Antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates from 502 dogs with respiratory signs

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bacterial species isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples taken from dogs with respiratory signs and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility. Clinical cases were included in the study if they showed signs of respiratory disease and data relating to bacterial culture and susceptibility of BALF samples were available. The medical records of 493 privately owned dogs that were presented between January 1989 and December 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. In 35 per cent of samples, no bacteria were cultured. Bacteria isolated from culture-positive samples included Streptococcus species (31 per cent of positive cultures), Enterobacteriaceae (30 per cent, including Escherichia coli (15 per cent)), Staphylococcus species (19 per cent), Pasteurella species (16 per cent) and Pseudomonas species (14 per cent). Bordetella bronchiseptica as a primary respiratory pathogen was isolated in 8 per cent of cases. Enrofloxacin showed the best susceptibility pattern; 86 per cent of all isolates and 87 per cent of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to this antibiotic. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid yielded the best susceptibility pattern in Gram-positive bacteria (92 per cent). Therefore, these antibiotics can be recommended for empirical or first-line treatment in dogs with bacterial lower respiratory tract infections.

Low-tube-voltage 80-kVp neck CT: evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Low-tube-voltage acquisition has been shown to facilitate substantial dose savings for neck CT with similar image contrast compared with standard 120-kVp acquisition. However, its potential for the detection of neck pathologies is uncertain. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of low-tube-voltage 80-kV(peak) acquisitions for neck CT on diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three radiologists individually analyzed 80-kVp and linearly blended 120-kVp image series of 170 patients with a variety of pathologies who underwent dual-energy neck CT. Reviewers were unblinded to the clinical indication for CT but were otherwise blinded to any other data or images and were asked to state a final main diagnosis. Findings were compared with medical record charts, CT reports, and pathology results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for each observer. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by using intraclass correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Diagnoses were grouped as squamous cell carcinoma-related (n = 107, presence/absence of primary/recurrent squamous cell carcinoma), lymphoma-related (n = 40, presence/absence of primary/recurrent lymphoma), and benign (n = 23, eg, abscess). Cumulative sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for 80-kVp and blended 120-kVp images were 94.8%, 93.0%, 95.9%, and 91.1%, respectively. Results were also consistently high for squamous cell carcinoma-related (94.8%/95.3%, 89.1%/89.1%, 94.3%/94.4%, 90.1%/91.0%) and lymphoma-related (95.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 95.2%) 80-kVp/120-kVp image series. Global interobserver agreement was almost perfect (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.82, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.76-0.74, 0.86-0.85). Calculated dose-length product was reduced by 48% with 80-kVp acquisitions compared with the standard 120-kVp scans (135.5 versus 282.2 mGy × cm).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-tube-voltage 80-kVp CT of the neck provides sufficient image quality with high diagnostic accuracy in routine clinical practice and has the potential to substantially decrease radiation exposure.

Single-molecule diffusion in freely suspended smectic films

We present a study of the molecular diffusion in freely suspended smectic-A liquid crystal films with thicknesses ranging from 20 down to only two molecular layers. The molecular mobility is directly probed by determining the trajectories of single, fluorescent tracer molecules. We demonstrate, using several different smectic compounds, that a monotonic increase of the diffusion coefficient with decreasing film thickness is a general phenomenon. In two-layer films, the diffusion is enhanced by a factor of 3 to 5 compared to the corresponding bulk smectic phase. Molecular dynamics simulations of freely suspended smectic films are presented which support the experimental results.

Constraints on cosmic strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors

Cosmic strings can give rise to a large variety of interesting astrophysical phenomena. Among them, powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) produced by cusps are a promising observational signature. In this Letter we present a search for GWs from cosmic string cusps in data collected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors between 2005 and 2010, with over 625 days of live time. We find no evidence of GW signals from cosmic strings. From this result, we derive new constraints on cosmic string parameters, which complement and improve existing limits from previous searches for a stochastic background of GWs from cosmic microwave background measurements and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by the gravitational backreaction scale, we place upper limits on the string tension Gμ below 10(-8) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

Acute intracranial hemorrhage in CT: benefits of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction techniques

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute intracranial hemorrhage represents a severe and time critical pathology that requires precise and quick diagnosis, mainly by performing a CT scan. The purpose of this study was to compare image quality and intracranial hemorrhage conspicuity in brain CT with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction and filtered back-projection reconstruction techniques at standard (340 mAs) and low-dose tube current levels (260 mAs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 94 consecutive patients with intracranial hemorrhage received CT scans either with standard or low-dose protocol by random assignment. Group 1 (n=54; mean age, 64 ± 20 years) received CT at 340 mAs, and group 2 (n=40; mean age, 57 ± 23 years) received CT at 260 mAs. Images of both groups were reconstructed with filtered back-projection reconstruction and 5 iterative strengths (S1-S5) and ranked blind by 2 radiologists for image quality and intracranial hemorrhage on a 5-point scale. Image noise, SNR, dose-length product (mGycm), and mean effective dose (mSv) were calculated.

RESULTS

In both groups, image quality and intracranial hemorrhage conspicuity were rated subjectively with an excellent/good image quality. A higher strength of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction showed an increase in image quality with a difference to filtered back-projection reconstruction (P < .05). Subjective rating showed the best score of image quality and intracranial hemorrhage conspicuity achieved through S3/S4-5. Objective analysis of image quality showed in an increase of SNR with a higher strength of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction. Patients in group 2 (mean: 744 mGycm/1.71 mSv) were exposed to a significantly lower dose than those in group 1 (mean: 1045 mGycm/2.40 mSv, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

S3 provides better image quality and visualization of intracranial hemorrhage in brain CT at 260 mAs. Dose reduction by almost one-third is possible without significant loss in diagnostic quality.

Detection of B-mode polarization in the cosmic microwave background with data from the South Pole Telescope

Gravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background generates a curl pattern in the observed polarization. This "B-mode" signal provides a measure of the projected mass distribution over the entire observable Universe and also acts as a contaminant for the measurement of primordial gravity-wave signals. In this Letter we present the first detection of gravitational lensing B modes, using first-season data from the polarization-sensitive receiver on the South Pole Telescope (SPTpol). We construct a template for the lensing B-mode signal by combining E-mode polarization measured by SPTpol with estimates of the lensing potential from a Herschel-SPIRE map of the cosmic infrared background. We compare this template to the B modes measured directly by SPTpol, finding a nonzero correlation at 7.7σ significance. The correlation has an amplitude and scale dependence consistent with theoretical expectations, is robust with respect to analysis choices, and constitutes the first measurement of a powerful cosmological observable.