Accessory protein facilitated CFTR-CFTR interaction, a molecular mechanism to potentiate the chloride channel activity

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encodes a chloride channel protein that belongs to the superfamily of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Phosphorylation by protein kinase A in the presence of ATP activates the CFTR-mediated chloride conductance of the apical membranes. We have identified a novel hydrophilic CFTR binding protein, CAP70, which is also concentrated on the apical surfaces. CAP70 consists of four PDZ domains, three of which are capable of binding to the CFTR C terminus. Linking at least two CFTR molecules via cytoplasmic C-terminal binding by either multivalent CAP70 or a bivalent monoclonal antibody potentiates the CFTR chloride channel activity. Thus, the CFTR channel can be switched to a more active conducting state via a modification of intermolecular CFTR-CFTR contact that is enhanced by an accessory protein.

An evaluation of the performance of cDNA microarrays for detecting changes in global mRNA expression

The cDNA microarray is one technological approach that has the potential to accurately measure changes in global mRNA expression levels. We report an assessment of an optimized cDNA microarray platform to generate accurate, precise and reliable data consistent with the objective of using microarrays as an acquisition platform to populate gene expression databases. The study design consisted of two independent evaluations with 70 arrays from two different manufactured lots and used three human tissue sources as samples: placenta, brain and heart. Overall signal response was linear over three orders of magnitude and the sensitivity for any element was estimated to be 2 pg mRNA. The calculated coefficient of variation for differential expression for all non-differentiated elements was 12-14% across the entire signal range and did not vary with array batch or tissue source. The minimum detectable fold change for differential expression was 1.4. Accuracy, in terms of bias (observed minus expected differential expression ratio), was less than 1 part in 10 000 for all non-differentiated elements. The results presented in this report demonstrate the reproducible performance of the cDNA microarray technology platform and the methods provide a useful framework for evaluating other technologies that monitor changes in global mRNA expression.

Keratinocytes: innate immune cells in atopic dermatitis

The skin is a unique immune organ that constitutes a complex network of physical, chemical and microbiological barriers against external insults. Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. These cells form the physical skin barrier and represent the first line of the host defense system by sensing pathogens via innate immune receptors, initiating anti-microbial responses and producing various cytokines, chemokines and anti-microbial peptides, which are important events in immunity. A damaged epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis allows the penetration of potential allergens and pathogens to activate keratinocytes. Among the dysregulation of immune responses in atopic dermatitis, activated keratinocytes play a role in several biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the innate immune functions of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, with a special emphasis on skin-derived anti-microbial peptides and atopic dermatitis-related cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. An improved understanding of the innate immunity mediated by keratinocytes can provide helpful insight into the pathophysiological processes of atopic dermatitis and support new therapeutic efforts.

Optimized T7 amplification system for microarray analysis

Glass cDNA microarray technologies offer a highly parallel approach for profiling expressed gene sequences in disease-relevant tissues. However, standard hybridization and detection protocols are insufficient for milligram quantities of tissue, such as those derived from needle biopsies. Amplification systems utilizing T7 RNA polymerase can provide multiple cRNA copies from mRNA transcripts, permitting microarray studies with reduced sample inputs. Here, we describe an optimized T7-based amplification system for microarray analysis that yields between 200- and 700-fold amplification. This system was evaluated with both mRNA and total RNA samples and provided microarray sensitivity and precision that are comparable to our standard production process without amplification. The size distributions of amplified cRNA ranged from 200 bp to 4 kb and were similar to original mRNA profiles. These amplified cRNA samples were fluorescently labeled by reverse transcription and hybridized to microarrays comprising approximately 10,000 cDNA targets using a dual-channel format. Replicate hybridization experiments were conducted with the same and different tissues in each channel to assess the sensitivity and precision of differential expression ratios. Statistical analysis of differential expression ratios showed the lower limit of detection to be about 2-fold within and between amplified data sets, and about 3-fold when comparing amplified data to unamplified data (99.5% confidence).

Estimation of birth population-based perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm rate in China from a regional survey in 2010

Objective:

To estimate birth population-based perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm rate in China from a regional survey in 2010.

Study design:

Data of total births in 2010 obtained from 151 level I–III hospitals in Huai’an, Jiangsu, were prospectively collected and analyzed.

Results:

From 61 227 birth registries (including 60 986 live births and 241 stillbirths), we derive a birth rate of 11.3‰ (of 5.4 million regional population), a male-to-female ratio of 116:100 and valid data from 60 615 newborns. Mean birth weight (BW) was 3441 ± 491 g with 13.6% macrosomia. Low BW was 2.8% (1691/60 372) with 8.83% mortality. Preterm rate was 3.72% (2239/60 264) with 7.61% mortality. Cesarean section rate was 52.9% (31 964/60 445), multiple pregnancy 1.8% (1088/60 567) and birth defects 6.7‰ (411/61 227). There were 97.4% healthy newborns and 2.2% (1298) requiring hospitalized after birth. The perinatal mortality was 7.7‰ (471/61 227, including 241 stillbirths, 230 early neonatal deaths). The neonatal mortality was 4.4‰ (269/60 986). The main causes of neonatal death were birth asphyxia (24.5%), respiratory diseases (21.5%), prematurity related organ dysfunction (18.5%) and congenital anomalies (7.7%), whereas incidence of congenital heart disease and respiratory distress syndrome was 8.6‰ and 6.1‰, respectively.

Conclusions:

This regional birth population-based data file contains low perinatal-neonatal mortality rates, associated with low proportion of LBW and preterm births, and incidences of major neonatal disease, by which we estimate, in a nationwide perspective, in 16 million annual births, preterm births should be around 800 000, perinatal and neonatal mortality may be 128 000–144 000 and 80 000–96 000, respectively, along with 100 000 respiratory distress syndrome.

ALOX12 polymorphisms are associated with fat mass but not peak bone mineral density in Chinese nuclear families

OBJECTIVE

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX12) is a member of the lipoxygenase superfamily, which catalyzes the incorporation of molecular oxygen into polyunsaturated fatty acids. The products of ALOX12 reactions serve as endogenous ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG). The activation of the PPARG pathway in marrow-derived mesenchymal progenitors stimulates adipogenesis and inhibits osteoblastogenesis. Our objective was to determine whether polymorphisms in the ALOX12 gene were associated with variations in peak bone mineral density (BMD) and obesity phenotypes in young Chinese men.

METHODS

All six tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ALOX12 gene were genotyped in a total of 1215 subjects from 400 Chinese nuclear families by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. The BMD at the lumbar spine and hip, total fat mass (TFM) and total lean mass (TLM) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The pairwise linkage disequilibrium among SNPs was measured, and the haplotype blocks were inferred. Both the individual SNP markers and the haplotypes were tested for an association with the peak BMD, body mass index, TFM, TLM and percentage fat mass (PFM) using the quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT).

RESULTS

Using the QTDT, significant within-family association was found between the rs2073438 polymorphism in the ALOX12 gene and the TFM and PFM (P=0.007 and 0.012, respectively). Haplotype analyses were combined with our individual SNP results and remained significant even after correction for multiple testing. However, we failed to find significant within-family associations between ALOX12 SNPs and the BMD at any bone site in young Chinese men.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present results suggest that the rs2073438 polymorphism of ALOX12 contributes to the variation of obesity phenotypes in young Chinese men, although we failed to replicate the association with the peak BMD variation in this sample. Further independent studies are needed to confirm our findings.

The identification of up-regulated ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p targeting MALT1 and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 in the circulation of patients with multiple sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a well-documented aetiological factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV encodes at least 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) that are readily detectable in the circulation of human. Previous studies have demonstrated that EBV-encoded miRNAs regulate host immune response and may serve as biomarkers for EBV-associated diseases. However, the roles of EBV miRNAs in MS are still unknown. To fill the gap, we conducted a comprehensive profiling of 44 mature EBV miRNAs in 30 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients at relapse and 30 matched healthy controls. Expression levels of ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p and ebv-miR-BHRF1-3 were elevated significantly in the circulation and correlated positively with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores of MS patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses confirmed that the expression of these two miRNAs distinguished MS patients clearly from healthy controls. Luciferase assays revealed that ebv-miR-BHRF1-2-5p may directly target MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma transport protein 1), a key regulator of immune homeostasis. In conclusion, we described the expression of EBV miRNAs in MS and preliminarily validated the potential target genes of significantly altered EBV miRNAs. The findings may pave the way for prospective study about the pathogenesis of MS.

The two halves of CFTR form a dual-pore ion channel

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) exhibits two conductance states, 9 picosiemens (pS) and 3 pS. To investigate the origin of these two distinct conductance states, we measured the single-channel activity of three truncated forms of CFTR. These include: TNR, which contains the first transmembrane domain, the first nucleotide binding domain, and the R domain; RT2N2, which contains the R domain, the second transmembrane domain, and the second nucleotide-binding domain; and T2N2, which contains only the second transmembrane domain and the second nucleotide-binding domain. The results show that TNR exhibits only the large conductance of 9.2 pS, whereas RT2N2 and T2N2 exhibit only the small conductance (3.8-4.0 pS). Co-expression of TNR with T2N2 resulted in a mixed pattern of two conductance states, which is similar to that observed in wild-type CFTR. In further studies, a "dual-R mutant," R334W and R347P in the transmembrane segment 6 of the first half of CFTR, severely impaired the large conductance channel without affecting the small conductance channel. The ion selectivity and gating behavior of the two conductance channels are different regardless of whether they are measured in wild-type CFTR or in truncated CFTRs. The ion selectivity of the large conductance channel is Br(-) > Cl(-) > I(-), whereas the ion selectivity of the small conductance channel is Br(-) = Cl(-) = I(-). The open probability (P(o)) of the large conductance is about 4-fold higher than that of the small conductance. Transition from closed to open states of the small conductance is not dependent upon the open or closed states of the large conductance. The independent behaviors of the two conductances in CFTR strongly suggest that CFTR may have two distinct pores. Thus, like ClC0, CFTR is likely to be a double-barreled ion channel, with the first half of CFTR forming the large conductance and the second half forming the small conductance.

The second half of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator forms a functional chloride channel

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) consists of two transmembrane domains (TMDs), TMD1 and TMD2, two cytoplasmic nucleotide binding domains (NBDs), NBD1 and NBD2, and a regulatory domain. To elucidate the complex function of the CFTR, deletion constructs encompassing the second half of the CFTR distal to the first transmembrane domain were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and IB3 cells (a cystic fibrosis cell line). Constructs containing the regulatory domain, the second transmembrane domain, and the second nucleotide binding domain formed constitutively active channels, which were further stimulated upon the addition of cAMP. On the other hand, a construct encompassing the second transmembrane domain and the second nucleotide binding domain was stimulated to a small but noticeable extent upon the addition of cAMP. The selectivity of the second-half construct was the same for iodide and chloride, in contrast to the selectivity of wild-type CFTR, which is Cl- > I-. However, both constructs displayed single-channel conductances that were significantly smaller than those displayed by the first half of the CFTR. We conclude that regions of the second transmembrane domain may contribute to the overall channel of the pore, although the first half of the CFTR may confer its selectivity.

A polysaccharopeptide complex and a condensed tannin with antioxidant activity from dried rose (Rosa rugosa) flowers

In this study, the fraction (P) from an aqueous extract of dried rose (Rosa rugosa) flowers was obtained by ethanol precipitation. P was chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose. The components retained on DEAE-cellulose were eluted with a linear gradient of 0–2 m NaCl solution. Two fractions, eluted at concentrations of 0.5 m NaCl and 1 m NaCl, respectively, were obtained. These two components were designated as P1 and P2, respectively. P1 was further purified using gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. P1 yielded two peaks, and the two components were designated as P1-a and P1-b, respectively. P1-a was a polysaccharide-peptide complex, and P1-b exhibited chemical properties of a condensed tannin as revealed by FTIR and NMR assay of carbohydrate and protein contents and HPLC-ESI-MS. The molecular masses of P1-a and P1-b were 150kDa and 8kDa, respectively. Both P1-a and P1-b possessed antioxidant activity, with the activity of P1-b higher than that of P1-a. This study demonstrated that different components from rose flowers exhibited antioxidant activity.

Novel mutations in the SEC24D gene in Chinese families with autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta

We sought to characterize the phenotypes and identify the SEC24D gene mutations associated with Chinese families of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Using whole-exome sequencing, we discovered two novel compound SEC24D mutations of OI patients. Our study extended both the phenotypic and the genotype of the OI patients with SEC24D mutations.

INTRODUCTION

To date, only three compound heterozygous mutations in the SEC24D gene have been found to cause recessively inherited forms of OI. We sought to characterize the phenotypes and to identify the SEC24D gene mutations associated with Chinese families with OI.

METHODS

Using whole-exome sequencing in two probands, we identified two novel compound heterozygous mutations in SEC24D. In family 1, the proband was a 23-year-old male; he had recurrent fractures and dentinogenesis imperfecta. His anterior fontanel was not closed, and he showed facial dysmorphism. A computed tomography three-dimensional imaging of the cranium showed skull deformities associated with a broad ossification defect in the frontoapical area, a widened sagittal suture, and Wormian bones. In family 2, the proband was a 7-year-old boy, who also had recurrent fractures and dentinogenesis imperfecta. His anterior fontanel was not closed, and he did not have obvious facial dysmorphism.

RESULTS

We identified one novel compound heterozygous missense substitution in the proband in family 1, including c.2723G>A (p. Cys908Tyr) and c.2842T>C (p. Ser948Pro). In the proband in family 2, we identified another novel compound heterozygous missense substitution, including c.938G>A (p. Arg313His) and c.875C>T (p. Pro292Leu).

CONCLUSIONS

We discovered two novel compound SEC24D mutations of autosomal recessive OI patients. Our study extended both the phenotypic and the genotypic spectrum of the autosomal recessive OI patients with SEC24D mutations.

Birth population survey in Huai'an in 2015: perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions in China

Objective: This survey followed the birth population-based study conducted in 2010 in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, with the aim to estimate perinatal-neonatal mortality and preterm birth rate in emerging regions with similar maternal-fetal and neonatal care conditions in China.Materials and methods: Data of total births in 2015 were prospectively collected by regional perinatal network collaboration in Huai'an, a subprovincial region with a population of 5,644,500 and gross domestic production of 9082 USD per capita.Results: The 59,424 birth registries (including 59,023 live births and 167 stillbirths) corresponded to a birth rate of 10.5‰ and a Male-to-female ratio of 113.7:100. All births there were from 85, 16, and 6 level I, II, and III hospitals, with a delivery rate of 30.4, 40.2, and 29.4%, respectively. Of all births, 14.1% had pregnancy-associated comorbidities and complications, 54.4% (32,226/59,190) had cesarean delivery, and multiple pregnancies and birth defects occurred in 2.1% (1,250) and 5.5‰ (324), respectively. The mean birth weight was 3448 ± 507 g with 13.9% being macrosomia, and 2.86% (1695/59,190) low birth weight. Preterm birth rate was 4.06% (2404/59,190) with a mortality rate of 8.5%. There were 94.5% recorded as healthy newborns and 5.5% (3263) requiring hospitalization after birth. The perinatal and neonatal mortality rate was 5.2‰ (167 stillbirths, 139 early neonatal deaths) and 4.0‰, respectively. Compared with the 2010 survey, these data demonstrated generally improved status of perinatal-neonatal healthcare.Conclusions: The low rates of perinatal-neonatal mortality, preterm birth and preterm mortality suggest that the concept and study protocol of perinatal-neonatal healthcare in Huai'an may serve as the benchmark for estimating regional vital statistics and perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

TLR-Induced SMPD3 Defects Enhance Inflammatory Response of B Cell and Macrophage in the Pathogenesis of SLE

B lymphocyte and macrophages may contribute to SLE pathogenesis through cytokine production after TLR stimulation. Emerging evidences suggested that defects of sphingolipid metabolism were responsible for SLE pathogenesis. However, it is not clear whether these defects exist in B cells and macrophages under SLE condition and whether TLR signalling pathway was related to the dysfunction of sphingolipid metabolism in SLE. Here, we demonstrated that the enzymes involved in the sphingolipid metabolism expressed abnormally in B cells from SLE patients and lupus-prone mice. Moreover, we found that TLR signalling induced the abnormal expression of sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (SMPD3), sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 2 (SGPP2), ceramide kinase (CERK) and UDP glycosyltransferase 8 (UGT8), which were involved in sphingolipid metabolism. TLR signalling also induced the transportation of SMPD3 from Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, the dysfunction of SMPD3 enhanced TLR-induced inflammatory response of B cells and macrophages in turn. Thus, these findings provide an innovative direction and a new target for research and treatment of SLE.

No association between polymorphisms of peroxisome [corrected] proliferator-activated receptor-gamma gene and peak bone mineral density variation in Chinese nuclear families

Association between SNPs in polymorphism in peroxisome [corrected] proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) and peak bone mineral density (BMD) variation of women was measured in 401 Chinese nuclear families using quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT). The peak BMD variation was not attributable to PPARG in our sample.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study is to test whether genetic PPARG might play a role in normal variation in peak BMD.

METHODS

We genotyped 10 tagging SNPs in PPARG using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and further test whether these SNPs were associated with peak BMD variation at the lumbar spine and femoral neck of women in 401 Chinese nuclear families using QTDT. Furthermore, the association between these SNPs in PPARG and BMD in 710 postmenopausal Chinese women was measured.

RESULTS

Using QTDT for within-family association, we failed to find that single SNP and haplotype were significantly associated with peak BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Meanwhile, we found that only rs1801282 was significantly associated with BMD at the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women (P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Our present results suggest, for the first time, that the genetic polymorphism in PPARG is not a major contributor to the observed variability in peak BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in Chinese women.

Polymorphisms in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes are associated with peak bone mineral density in Chinese nuclear families

SUMMARY

Association between ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes and variations in peak bone mineral density (BMD) in a large sample of Chinese nuclear families with female offspring using the quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT). Our results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms in both human ALOX12 and ALOX15 may contribute to variations in the peak BMD of Chinese women.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the human ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes are associated with variations in peak BMD in Chinese nuclear families with female offspring.

METHODS

Each five SNPs in the ALOX12 and ALOX15 genes were genotyped in a total of 1,260 individuals from 401 Chinese nuclear families. The BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We tested whether a single SNP or a haplotype was associated with peak BMD variations using the QTDT.

RESULTS

Using QTDT to measure within-family associations in ALOX15, we observed a significant association between rs916055 and BMD in the lumbar spine (p = 0.027 in the permutation 1,000 test). However, in ALOX12, rs312470 was significantly associated with BMD in the femoral neck (p = 0.029 and p = 0.036 in the permutation 1,000 test). The results of a haplotype analysis supported the findings of the single locus test for ALOX15.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms in both human ALOX12 and ALOX15 may contribute to variations in the peak BMD of Chinese women.

Associations of polymorphisms in the SOST gene and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Chinese Women

The bone mineral density (BMD) of a total of 1,379 healthy postmenopausal Chinese women was measured. Ten tagging SNPs of the sclerostin (SOST) gene were genotyped. Our results suggest that the polymorphisms of the rs2023794 and rs74252774 in the SOST gene were associated with BMD of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal Chinese women.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the study was to determine the associations between polymorphisms of SOST gene and BMD in postmenopausal Chinese women.

METHODS

A total of 1,379 independent healthy postmenopausal Chinese women including 703 in our previous study were recruited. The BMD of the lumbar spine 1-4 (L1-4) and left proximal femur including total hip and femoral neck were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Ten tagging SNPs (rs1234612, rs1513670, rs1634330, rs1708635, rs2023794, rs7220711, rs74252774, rs851057, rs851058, and rs865429) of the SOST gene were genotyped.

RESULTS

The rs2023794 and rs74252774 and the haplotype ACCATTCT of SOST gene were associated with age and body mass index (BMI) adjusted L1-4 BMD (P values were 0.010, 0.007, and 0.007, respectively) even after performing the Bonferroni multiple-significance-test correction. There was a clear trend in these regions that the CC genotype of the rs2023794 and the TT genotype of the rs74252774 have higher BMD values than other genotypes. The contributions of the rs2023794 and rs74252774 to the phenotypic variation of L1-4 BMD were 0.6 and 0.7 %, respectively. We failed to find any association between the 10 SNPs and 6 haplotypes of the SOST gene and BMD at the hip site in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the polymorphisms of the rs2023794 and rs74252774 in the SOST gene were associated with BMD of the lumbar spine in a large sample of postmenopausal Chinese women.

OP0011 A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, ACTIVE-CONTROLLED STUDY OF AVACOPAN IN ANTI-NEUTROPHIL CYTOPLASMIC ANTIBODY (ANCA)-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS

Background:

Complement fragment C5a is strongly linked to the pathogenesis of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). C5a receptor (C5aR), present on neutrophils, is a G protein-coupled receptor for C5a. Avacopan (previously CCX168) is an orally-administered selective antagonist of C5aR which blocks C5a-induced cell activation. Two previous Phase 2 clinical trials provided evidence of effectiveness of avacopan in AAV and its potential to eliminate extensive use of glucocorticoids (GC) and GC-related toxicities.

Objectives:

This Phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy and safety of avacopan for the treatment of AAV.

Methods:

Eligible subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive either prednisone or avacopan in combination with either a) cyclophosphamide (oral or IV) followed by azathioprine or b) rituximab (four IV infusions). Randomization was stratified by the treatment regimen (rituximab, IV cyclophosphamide, or oral cyclophosphamide), ANCA serotype, and newly-diagnosed or relapsing disease. Treatment period was 52 weeks; primary efficacy endpoints were the proportion of subjects achieving disease remission at Week 26, and sustained disease remission at Week 52. Remission was defined as a Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) of zero and not taking glucocorticoids for AAV within 4 weeks prior to Week 26. Sustained remission was defined as being in remission at Week 26 and also subsequently in remission as defined above at Week 52. Any relapse of AAV between Weeks 26 and 52 was considered not achieving sustained remission.

Results:

330 subjects were randomized and dosed: 166 in avacopan and 164 in prednisone arms. At Week 26, 72.3% subjects achieved remission in the avacopan arm compared to 70.1% in the prednisone arm (p<0.0001 for non-inferiority). At Week 52, 65.7% subjects achieved sustained remission in the avacopan arm compared to 54.9% in the prednisone arm achieving both non-inferiority and superiority to prednisone arm (p=0.0066 for superiority of avacopan).

The avacopan arm had a significant reduction in glucocorticoid-related toxicity compared to the prednisone arm as measured by the Glucocorticoid Toxicity Index (GTI) of Cumulative Worsening Score (p=0.0002) and Aggregate Improvement Score (p=0.0082).

In subjects with renal disease at baseline, the avacopan arm showed a mean increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 7.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 from baseline to week 52 as compared to 4.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase in the prednisone arm (p=0.0259).

Overall subject incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs) was generally consistent with previous AAV trials at 45.1% and 42.2% for prednisone and avacopan groups, respectively. Serious infections were 15.2% and 13.3%, serious hepatic adverse events 3.7% vs 5.4%, and SAEs of white blood cell count decreases were 4.9% vs 2.4% for prednisone and avacopan, respectively. No meningococcal infections were reported.

Conclusion:

Avacopan treatment resulted in remission in AAV patients receiving rituximab or cyclophosphamide/azathioprine at a rate that was non-inferior to the active comparator prednisone at week 26 and superior to prednisone in sustained remission at Week 52. A significant reduction in glucocorticoid-related toxicity was observed in the avacopan vs. prednisone arms. Significant increase in eGFR in subjects with renal disease was also observed in avacopan vs. prednisone. The safety profile of avacopan appears acceptable for development in AAV. Avacopan treatment for AAV is efficacious and exhibits benefits not seen with chronic prednisone therapy.

References:

None.

Disclosure of Interests:

Peter A Merkel Grant/research support from: AstraZeneca, Boeringher-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, ChemoCentryx, Forbius, Genentech/Roche, Genzyme/Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, InflaRx, Kypha, TerumoBCT, Consultant of: Abbvie, AstraZeneca, Biogen, Boeringher-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, ChemoCentryx, CSL Behring, Forbius, Genentech/Roche, Genzyme/Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, InflaRx, Insmed, Jannsen, Kiniksa, Pfizer, Sparrow, Talaris, David Jayne Grant/research support from: ChemoCentryx, GSK, Roche/Genentech, Sanofi-Genzyme, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, ChemoCentryx, GSK, InflaRx, Takeda, Insmed, Chugai, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Huibin Yue Shareholder of: ChemoCentryx, Employee of: ChemoCentryx, Thomas Schall Shareholder of: ChemoCentryx, Employee of: ChemoCentryx, Catherine Kelleher Shareholder of: Amgen, ChemoCentryx, Inc., Grant/research support from: Not active, Consultant of: Independent Consultant in the past, Employee of: ChemoCentryx, Inc., Pirow Bekker Shareholder of: Stock options ChemoCentryx, Consultant of: ChemoCentryx, Employee of: ChemoCentryx

[Surveillance for HIV infection in MSM selected through respondent driven sampling in Beijing, 2005-2012]

Objective: To understand the HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and discuss the feasibility of respondent driven sampling (RDS) as a tool to conduct long term HIV surveillance in MSM in Beijing. Methods: From 2005 to 2012 RDS was used to recruit MSM for face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire to collect their demographic characteristics and HIV risk-related behavior. Blood samples were collected from them for HIV test. Results: A total of 427, 540, 607, 614, 616, 602, 579 and 600 MSM were surveyed, respectively, from 2005 to 2012. The HIV infection prevalence increased from 4.2%(95%CI: 1.9-7.0) in 2005 to 10.1% (95%CI: 7.2-13.2) in 2012 (P=0.02). Meanwhile, HIV prevalence substantially increased among MSM aged >25 years, in floating population and with lower education level (≤high school), from 6.4%(95%CI: 2.2-9.5), 3.3%(95%CI: 1.8-5.4) and 5.5% (95%CI: 2.2-8.9) in 2005 to 7.6% (95%CI: 5.4-10.3, P=0.04), 10.7% (95% CI: 7.8-14.6, P=0.04) and 10.4% (95% CI:7.2-14.3, P=0.04) in 2012, respectively. Moreover, the HIV infection prevalence in MSM aged ≤25 years old and with higher education level (>high school) increased from 1.7%(95%CI: 0.4-3.1) in 2009 and 1.1%(95%CI: 0.2-1.7) in 2007 to 13.7%(95%CI: 7.2-20.4) and 9.1%(95%CI: 4.7-13.8) in 2012, respectively, the differences were not significant. Furthermore, the HIV infection prevalence in MSM who had 2-9 male sex partners in the last six months increased from 4.0% (95% CI: 1.0-8.0) in 2005 to 12.6% (95% CI: 8.7-16.7) in 2012 (P=0.02). Conclusions: Studies have shown that RDS is an effective and feasible sampling method for long term HIV surveillance in MSM. The HIV infection prevalence in MSM in Beijing increased from 2005 to 2012, especially among those with older age, in floating population and with lower educational level. More attention should be paid to MSM with younger age and with higher educational level.

Modelling the Process of Fused Deposition Modelling and the Effect of Temperature on the Mechanical, Roughness, and Porosity Properties of Resulting Composite Products

Advances in the additive manufacturing (AM) processes have opened up the possibilities of widely using them in various structural sectors. Since 1980s this technology has been in permanent mutations. The ramification of the AM technology makes it difficult to obtain a clear impression of its potentialities. Predicting and controlling the mechanical characteristics of printed products is crucial for their final practical use. This study mainly aims to characterize the impact of printing parameters on the characteristics of printed articles and to evaluate their significance.