Epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue and coronary plaque burden in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a propensity score-matched study

PURPOSE

To assess coronary inflammation by measuring the volume and density of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) and coronary plaque burden in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS

This study included 29 patients with CS and 58 matched patients without CS who underwent CCTA. The EAT volume, EAT density, FAI and coronary plaque burden were measured. The high-risk plaque (HRP) was also evaluated. CS duration from diagnosis, 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT) of CS patients were recorded.

RESULTS

The CS group had higher EAT volume (146.9 [115.4, 184.2] vs. 119.6 [69.0, 147.1] mL, P = 0.006), lower EAT density (- 78.79 ± 5.89 vs. - 75.98 ± 6.03 HU, P = 0.042), lower FAI (- 84.0 ± 8.92 vs. - 79.40 ± 10.04 HU, P = 0.038), higher total plaque volume (88.81 [36.26, 522.5] vs. 44.45 [0, 198.16] mL, P = 0.010) and more HRP plaques (7.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.026) than the controls. The multivariate analysis suggested that CS itself (β [95% CI], 29.233 [10.436, 48.03], P = 0.014), CS duration (β [95% CI], 0.176 [0.185, 4.242], P = 0.033), and UFC (β [95% CI], 0.197 [1.803, 19.719], P = 0.019) were strongly associated with EAT volume but not EAT density, and EAT volume (β [95% CI] - 0.037[- 0.058, - 0.016], P = 0.001) not CS was strongly associated with EAT density. EAT volume, FAI and plaque burden increased (all P < 0.05) in 6 CS patients with follow-up CCTA. The EAT volume had a moderate correlation with abdominal VAT volume (r = 0.526, P = 0.008) in CS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CS have higher EAT volume and coronary plaque burden but less inflammation as detected by EAT density and FAI. The EAT density is associated with EAT volume but not CS itself.

Spongy porous carbon nanosheets obtained by one-step oxidation-activation of asphalt with KHC2O4 activator: Application in the cathode of zinc storage devices

Porous carbon (PC) is widely used in Zn-based electrochemical devices (e.g., zinc ion capacitors and zinc iodine batteries), whose synthesis by conventional methods often leads to severe corrosion and high energy consumption. A novel activator, KHC2O4, was selected to activate three types of asphalt precursors (medium/high-temperature coal asphalts and petroleum asphalt) to obtain three kinds of PCs (MCA-C, HCA-C, and PA-C) via a green routine. Meanwhile, we also explored the chemical composition of asphalt on the structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties of PCs. Three asphalt samples from different sources are all feasible to synthesize porous carbon nanosheets by the convenient one-step oxidation-activation method using a KHC2O4 activator attenuating the conjugation effect of asphalt and reducing energy consumption. Among them, PA-C obtained from petroleum asphalt presents a unique twisted spongy sheet-like structure with the help of the foaming function from KHC2O4, which is favorable for ion storage. PA-C possesses a high specific capacitance of up to 348.1 F/g (0.5 A/g) in a three-electrode system. The ZIC (Zn ion capacitor) with the cathode selected PA-C exhibits a 184.2 mAh/g (0.1 A/g) specific capacity and high energy density of 147.4 Wh/kg (100 W/kg). Moreover, PA-C/I obtained by compositing PA-C with iodine also achieves 250.9 mAh/g in the cathode of ZIOB (zinc-iodine battery). Consequently, this work has successfully realized the transformation of cheap asphalt into high-value-added functional materials.

Synthesis Strategies and Applications for Pitch-Based Anode: From Industrial By-Products to Power Sources

It is significant for saving energy to manufacture superb-property batteries. Carbon is one of the most competitive anode materials in batteries, but it is hard for commercial graphite anodes to meet the increasingly higher energy-storage requirements. Moreover, the price of other better-performing carbon materials (such as graphene) is much higher than graphite, which is not conducive to massive production. Pitch, the cheap by-product in the petroleum and coal industries, has high carbon content and yield, making it possible for commercialization. Developing pitch-based anodes can not only lower raw material costs but also realize the pitch's high value-added utilization. We comprehensively reviewed the latest synthesis strategies of pitch-derived materials and then introduced their application and research progress in lithium, sodium, and potassium ion batteries (LIBs, SIBs, and PIBs). Finally, we summarize and suggest the pitch's development trend for anodes and in other fields.

OP0260 RESPONSIVENESS OF A COMBINED POWER DOPPLER AND GREYSCALE ULTRASOUND SCORE FOR ASSESSING SYNOVITIS AT JOINT LEVEL IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO csDMARDs: DATA FROM THE ULTIMATE TRIAL

Background

Power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) is a sensitive non-invasive imaging tool that allows the visualisation of articular and periarticular inflammation in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).1 ULTIMATE (NCT02662985) was the first large randomised clinical trial that showed the responsiveness of the Global OMERACT-EULAR ultrasound synovitis score (GLOESS) in PsA and confirmed the rapid and continued benefits of secukinumab through 52 weeks.2,3

Objectives

To report the distribution of ultrasound-detected synovitis at joint level, by degree of severity at baseline and over time, and the contribution of each core component of GLOESS, synovial hypertrophy (SH) by greyscale (GS; B-mode) and power Doppler (PD) signal, to responsiveness.3

Methods

This was a 52-week study with a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period followed by a 12-week open-label period and a 6-month open-label extension secukinumab treatment period.3 The number of joints with synovitis measured by GLOESS2 was assessed up to Week 52. The assessments included distribution of synovitis based on composite PDUS score across 24 pairs of joints (with worse score of the pair of the joints used) by grade of severity (0-3) and change from baseline to Week 52 in each core component of GLOESS.3-5 Data are presented as observed.

Results

A total of 166 patients (mean age, 46.7 years; males, 45.2%) were enrolled, of which 90% (75/83) of secukinumab and 83% (69/83) of placebo-secukinumab participants completed 52 weeks. The mean (SD) number of PDUS detected synovitis at baseline was 9.2 (4.9) and 10.2 (5.2) in the secukinumab and placebo group, respectively. The most frequent locations with synovitis at baseline were: wrist, metatarsophalangeal (MTP), knees and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (Table 1). An early and continued improvement in GLOESS was observed in both secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab groups after switching to active therapy, as previously reported at Week 12 and through Week 52.2,3 Among the two core components of GLOESS, SH was mainly responsible for the change in GLOESS from baseline to Week 52, in contrast with PD signal in this dataset. The distribution of synovitis by grade of severity showed that MTP joints, wrist, knee, MCP1/2 and tibiotalar joints mostly contributed to the composite PDUS at Week 12 (Figure 1). Similar patterns were observed through 52 weeks.

Table 1.

Proportion of patients with PDUS detected synovitis at baseline*

Synovitis joint, data presented as n (%)Secukinumab (N=83)Placebo (N=83)Wrist66 (80)66 (80)MTP256 (68)65 (78)MTP158 (70)60 (72)MTP352 (63)60 (72)MTP446 (55)59 (71)Knee50 (60)47 (57.)MCP136 (43)52 (63)MCP235 (42)41 (49)MTP530 (36)41 (49)

*Data for top nine pairs of joints with most frequently detected power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) synovitis are presented here. Synovitis was scored by a OMERACT-EULAR synovitis composite score >0 for each paired joint (irrespective of right or left side). The OMERACT-EULAR composite PDUS score (for individual joints) ranged from 0 to 3 and was composed of the two core components synovial hypertrophy and power Doppler.

N, total number of randomised patients; n, number of evaluable patients

Conclusion

The distribution of synovitis at baseline reflected a predominance of small joints (feet and hands) and large joints (wrist and knee) and were mostly responsive to secukinumab over time in the ULTIMATE trial. Synovial hypertrophy was the most responsive core component of GLOESS driving an early and continued reduction of synovitis with secukinumab through Week 52. This finding could be useful to select a restricted number of joints in future ultrasound trials in PsA.

References

[1]D’Agostino MA and Coates LC. J Rheumatol. 2019;46:337–9.

[2]D’Agostino MA et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021;73(10).

[3]D’Agostino MA, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021;keab628.

[4]D’Agostino MA and Coates LC. RMD Open 2017;3:e000428.

[5]Uson J, et al. Rheumatol Clin. 2018;14:27–35.

Disclosure of Interests

Maria-Antonietta D’Agostino Speakers bureau: Sanofi, Novartis, BMS, Janssen, Celgene, Roche, AbbVie, UCB, and Eli Lilly, Consultant of: Sanofi, Novartis, BMS, Janssen, Celgene, Roche, AbbVie, UCB, and Eli Lilly, Maarten Boers Consultant of: Novartis, Corine Gaillez Shareholder of: Novartis and BMS, Employee of: Novartis, Carlos Gamez: None declared, LUCIO VENTURA: None declared, Javier Rosa Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis and BMS, Ilaria Padovano: None declared, Peter Mandl Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Arnd Kleyer Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Lilly, Novartis, MEDAC; Janssen, Consultant of: Abbvie, Lilly, UCB, Novartis, BMS, Sanofi, Galapagos, Catherine Bakewell Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, UCB, and Sanofi Genzyme/Regeneron, Consultant of: AbbVie, Novartis, Pfizer, Janssen, UCB, and Sanofi Genzyme/Regeneron, Weibin Bao Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Punit Goyanka Employee of: Novartis, Philip G Conaghan Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB

OP0294 REDUCED JOINT SYNOVITIS ASSESSMENT VERSUS THE GLOBAL EULAR OMERACT SYNOVITIS SCORE (GLOESS) TO PREDICT THE RESPONSE TO SECUKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO CONVENTIONAL DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC DRUGS: EXPLORATORY RESULTS FROM THE ULTIMATE TRIAL

Background

The combined use of B-mode ultrasound (US) and Power Doppler (PD; combination termed as PDUS) allows visualisation of morphological and pathophysiological changes of the synovium. ULTIMATE (NCT02662985) was the first large, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled PDUS phase IIIb study in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), to demonstrate that Global OMERACT EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS), a US score at patient level, was sensitive to detect the early and continuous decrease in synovitis in a multicenter setting using different US devices and examiners.1 However, the US assessment for GLOESS was time-consuming owing to the number of joints assessed.

Objectives

To investigate the value of various reduced joint sets to predict the validated GLOESS score.

Methods

ULTIMATE was a 52-week study with a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by 12-week open-label (OL) treatment and 6-month OL extension period.1 In the ULTIMATE trial, GLOESS for the 24 paired joints was calculated, with a potential score ranging between 0 to 144.1 A Spearman’s rank correlation matrix and a Cluster Image Map were constructed to identify highly correlated joint clusters based on the composite PDUS scores. Based on the different approaches (best correlation, model optimization, etc.), representative joints were then selected from each group, which yielded several corresponding combinations of joints. Linear models were developed with these reduced joint sets as predictors of GLOESS, using data from 60% of patients randomly selected from the ULTIMATE study. The remaining 40% data were used for model validation and diagnostics.

Results

Five models were established with reduced pairs of joint sets (9–13 pairs). The joints included in each linear model are summarized in Table 1. All five models of reduced joint sets showed high correlation with GLOESS score of R2 ~ 0.95. Figure 1 depicts all the 5 models of reduced joint sets for PDUS-detected synovitis versus the actual GLOESS in secukinumab and placebo-secukinumab groups, with modified GLOESS scores using reduced PDUS joint sets demonstrating changes very close to that of validated GLOESS.

Table 1.

Joints included across five linear models, indicated by green shading

Joint pairsModel 1 (N=9)Model 2 (N=9)Model 3 (N=9)Model 4 (N=13)Model 5 (N=12)ElbowKneeMTP2WristMCP1DIP4MTP4MCP2MCP4MCP5PIP3PIP4PIP1, PIP5DIP2DIP3, DIP5MTP1MTP5ShoulderTibiotalar

N, number of joint pairs used in model. DIP, distal interphalangeal; MCP, metacarpophalangeal; MTP, metatarsophalangeal;

PIP, proximal interphalangeal

Figure 1.

Reduced set of joints synovitis score vs GLOESS score

Conclusion

All models of reduced joint sets for PDUS-detected synovitis predicted GLOESS well. The next steps will be to document responsiveness and ability to discriminate between active and placebo treatment.

References

[1]D’Agostino MA, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021;keab628.

Disclosure of Interests

Maria-Antonietta D’Agostino Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, and UCB, Maarten Boers Consultant of: BMS, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: BMS, GSK, Novartis and Pfizer, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Philip G Conaghan Speakers bureau: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Novartis and Pfizer, Esperanza Naredo Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene GmbH, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Grant/research support from: Honoraria for clinical trials from Abbvie, BMS and Novartis; Research Grants from Lilly, Peter Mandl Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche and UCB., Grant/research support from: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche and UCB., Philippe Carron Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Merck Sharp Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Merck Sharp Dohme, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: Merck Sharp Dohme, Pfizer and UCB, Marina Backhaus Speakers bureau: BMS, Gilead, Jonsson, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Consultant of: BMS, Gilead, Jonsson, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Grant/research support from: BMS, Gilead, Jonsson, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, Alejandra López-Rodríguez Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Petra Hanova: None declared, Punit Goyanka Employee of: Novartis, Braja Gopal Sahoo Employee of: Novartis, Corine Gaillez Shareholder of: Shareholder of Novartis and BMS, Employee of: Novartis, Weibin Bao Employee of: Novartis

POS1065 IMPACT OF HYPERURICEMIA ON CLINICAL PHENOTYPE, COMORBIDITIES, AND RESPONSE TO SECUKINUMAB IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: POST HOC ANALYSIS OF FUTURE AND MAXIMISE STUDIES

Background

Hyperuricemia (HU) is a metabolic abnormality associated with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)1. The prevalence of HU is 2–13% in general population, 19–20% in PsO patients (pts), and 27–32% in PsA pts1,2. Pts with PsO/PsA are at significantly increased risk of HU and development of gout1. The pathogenic role of chronic HU in the development and maintenance of PsA is based on epidemiological, clinical, and fundamental arguments and hence does not appear fortuitous. These processes can influence each other3. Moreover, PsA with HU has been shown to be more peripheral, destructive, and challenging to treat4.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of HU on PsA in terms of clinical presentation, severity, comorbidities, and response to secukinumab (SEC) over 1-year.

Methods

This post hoc analysis included pooled data from PsA pts enrolled in the FUTURE 2–5 and MAXIMISE phase 3 trials. Pts were stratified into 2 groups based on baseline (BL) serum uric acid (SUA) level (HU: ≥360 µmol/L; without HU: <360 µmol/L and no history of gout and/or uric acid lowering therapies [ULT]). Demographic and disease characteristics, PsA and therapeutic history, and comorbidities data, were collected at BL. Evaluations included ACR20/50/70 responses, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response, resolution of enthesitis and dactylitis, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and mean change in SUA level, up to Week 52. All analyses were performed at a descriptive level and data presented as observed.

Results

Overall, 2504 PsA pts were included in the analysis, of which 822 (32.8%) had HU (62 [2.5%] with gout; 49 [2.0%] treated with ULT). At BL, pts with HU were mostly male (76.0% vs 34.2%) and had a higher body mass index (30.9 vs 28.3 kg/m2) with more comorbidities, such as hypertension (43.8% vs 31.3%), compared to pts without HU. A higher proportion of pts with HU had dactylitis (34.5% vs 25.9%), and PsO (48.3% vs 36.3%) with a greater mean PASI score (13.6 vs 10.2), compared to pts without HU (Table 1). The proportion of pts achieving ACR50, resolution of enthesitis/dactylitis, and mean change in HAQ-DI score were comparable up to Week 52 irrespective of BL HU status. The PASI90 response rate was higher in pts without HU with SEC 150 mg (with and without load) and similar in SEC 300 mg group irrespective of BL HU status (Figure 1).

Table 1.

Demographics and baseline characteristics

Parameters, mean ± SD unless specifiedWith hyperuricemia (N=822)Without hyperuricemia (N=1682)Age (Years)48.5 ± 12.4148.3 ± 12.19Gender (Male), n (%)625 (76.0)576 (34.2)Weight (kg)92.71 ± 18.6279.59 ± 17.55BMI (kg/m2)30.90 ± 5.8628.33 ± 5.91History of hypertension, n (%)360 (43.8)526 (31.3)History of diabetes mellitus, n (%)85 (10.3)144 (8.6)TJC20.6 ± 15.5221.3 ± 16.25SJC10.9 ± 9.3110.8 ± 9.13Enthesitis, n (%)412 (50.1)852 (50.7)Dactylitis, n (%)284 (34.5)436 (25.9)Evidence of current psoriasis; n (%)397 (48.3)611 (36.3)Mean PASI score*13.61 ± 11.0310.16 ± 9.13TNFi naїve, n (%)477 (58.0)938 (55.8)MTX use at randomization, n (%)321 (39.1)685 (40.7)Serum uric acid (µmol/L)420.7 ± 57.11274.9 ± 51.98CRP (mg/L)11.6 ± 18.6610.7 ± 23.36

*not collected in MAXMISE

BMI, body mass index; CRP, C-reactive protein; MTX, methotrexate; SJC, swollen joint count; TJC, tender joint count; TNFi, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor

Conclusion

In this pooled analysis of SEC PsA studies, pts with HU reported a higher prevalence of hypertension, with more clinical dactylitis, and more PsO, with higher PASI score compared to pts without HU. Efficacy across all musculoskeletal manifestations was similar with SEC 150 and 300 mg; while PASI90 response rate was slightly better in patients without HU with SEC 150 mg, and similar with SEC 300 mg irrespective of HU status, at 1-year.

References

[1]Tripolino C, et al. Front Med. 2021;8:737573

[2]AlJohani R, et al. J Rheumatol. 2018;45(2):213–7

[3]Felten R, et al. Clin Rheumatol. 2020;39:1405–13

[4]Widawski L, et al. Clin Rheumatol. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-022-06061-x

Disclosure of Interests

Renaud FELTEN Consultant of: Novartis (Advisory board), Laura Widawski: None declared, Lionel Spielmann: None declared, Corine Gaillez Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Weibin Bao Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Jacques-Eric Gottenberg Consultant of: Novartis (Advisory board), Pierre-Marie Duret: None declared, Laurent Messer: None declared

Physical and Chemical Properties of Coal Gasification Fine Slag and Its Carbon Products by Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Separation

Coal gasification fine slag is a kind of solid waste with low resource utilization rate. The complex embedding of residual carbon and inorganic minerals (ash materials) is the main reason restricting the efficient resource separation and utilization of residual carbon or ash materials. Hydrophobic-hydrophilic separation (HHS) is a separation technology in which mineral particles with different surface hydrophobicity values are enriched in the water phase and oil phase under the action of mechanical stirring. The water on the surface of hydrophobic particles is replaced by the oil phase to form flocs, which are enriched in the hydrophobic liquid phase, while hydrophilic particles are dispersed into the aqueous phase. In this study, the HHS process was used to separate the carbon/ash from the fine gasification slag produced by a Shenning gasifier, Texaco gasifier, and GSP gasifier of Ningxia Coal Industry Co., Ltd. The physicochemical properties of the original sample and the residual carbon products obtained by hydrophobic-hydrophilic separation were analyzed. The results show that HHS can separate the carbon/ash in the three kinds of fine slag to varying degrees. The carbon element is enriched into the hydrophobic phase to form the concentrates, while the silicon element, oxygen element, and metal element enter the tailings. The spherical ash with different particle sizes distributed on the surface of residual carbon and the gap of the matrix is basically removed, while the ash in the carbon-ash melt is difficult to remove. The ash contents of the concentrate and tailings of fine slag of the Shenning gasifier are 22.58 and 96.28%, respectively, which reach the best ash index compared with that of the other two gasifiers. From the change of mineral surface properties after HHS, the distribution of oxygen-containing groups, benzene rings, Si-O, and clay minerals or carbonate minerals in the three kinds of fine slag residual carbon products is basically similar. Compared with the other two gasifier products, the GSP gasifier concentrate has a larger specific surface area and less ash material, more amorphous carbon structures (less graphitic), and more active sites, resulting in a stronger combustion activity.

[Pituicytoma: a clinicopathological analysis of twenty-one cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and treatment strategies of pituicytoma. Methods: Twenty-one cases of pituicytoma were collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China from 2009 to 2020. The clinical data of 21 pituicytoma patients was retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Twenty-one patients aged 4 to 68 years, including 8 males and 13 females. All patients underwent surgical treatment. Histologically, the tumor was consisted almost entirely of elongate, bipolar spindle cells arranged in a fascicular or storiform pattern. Mitotic figures were rare. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were diffusely positive for S-100 protein (21/21), vimentin (15/15) and TTF1 (14/14), while they were weakly or focally positive for GFAP (13/16) and EMA (6/12). CKpan was negative in all cases and Ki-67 proliferation index was low (<5%). Among the 18 patients with follow-up, all survived and 2 relapsed after surgery. Conclusions: Pituicytoma is a rare low-grade glioma of the sellar area. It is easily confused with other sellar tumors. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult. It needs to be confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Microsurgery is the main treatment method at present.

Effect of hydrogen-rich gas from char gasification on rapid pyrolysis products of low rank coal in a downer pyrolyzer

For guiding a novel integrated process of low-rank coal pyrolysis and gasification with char gasification gas as a heat carrier, this study investigated the effect of simulated coal gas from char gasification (SCGG) on rapid pyrolysis products of low rank coal from 550 to 700 °C in a downer pyrolyzer. Results indicated that the component of SCGG directly affected the distribution and composition of pyrolysis products. Compared with N2, SCGG facilitated the formation of tar below 600 °C. H2 in SCGG and that from water gas shift reaction (WGS: CO + H2O → CO2 + H2) increased the tar yield by reacting with solid-phase free radicals in coal and inhibiting the secondary reaction of gas-phase volatile radicals. Also, CO2 in SCGG raised the tar yield due to its promotion to coal cracking. When the pyrolysis temperature exceeded 600 °C, the reforming reactions of nascent tar with steam occurred, resulting in a reduced tar yield. SCGG could distinctly reduce the coke yield (coke-S) and pitch content in tar due to the inhibiting effect of H2 from SCGG and WGS on the polycondensation reactions of volatile radicals and reforming reactions of nascent tar. The chemical composition analysis of tar by GC × GC-MS demonstrated that compared with under N2, the contents of phenols, oxygenated compounds, and heterocyclic compounds in tar under SCGG were decreased while the content of aromatics was the opposite mainly due to hydrogenation and reforming reactions of nascent tar. Also, the H/C and O/C ratios of char under the action of SCGG were higher than those under N2 at the same temperature.

Carbon precursors in coal tar: Extraction and preparation of carbon materials

Coke resources are abundantly available worldwide and are a large by-product of tar production. Moreover, their utilization presents a series of environmental pollution problems. Common technologies for coal tar production applications urgently need to be upgraded because coal tar is listed as a national hazardous waste. This review associates coal tar development with deep processing technology for extracting environmentally beneficial compounds from coal tar, which have never been reported. Recent studies on the innovative approaches for extracting phenols and nitrogen-containing compounds from coal tar have been addressed, as well as a preparation method of carbon materials with high catalytic activity and a well-ordered structure by confined polymerization. Tremendous demand for further research and exploration of selectively extracted compounds from coal tar implies a new opportunity for polymerizing the resin and a great challenge for the current technology implemented for valorizing coal tar into ordered carbon materials. Consequently, more concerted efforts should be implemented to achieve a wide range of polymer resin applications and improve the quality of carbon precursors extracted from the coal tar, thus increasing the economic benefit and scientific value of coal tar.

POS1051 SECUKINUMAB IMPROVES PHYSICAL FUNCTION AND INHIBITS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE IN PsA PATIENTS WITH SUSTAINED REMISSION OR LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY: RESULTS FROM A PHASE 3 STUDY

Background:

Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) or the minimal disease activity (MDA) are considered for defining remission (REM) or low disease activity (LDA) in secukinumab (SEC) treated patients (pts) with PsA (Psoriatic Arthritis).1 Currently, limited SEC data are available on pts with PsA achieving sustained REM in clinical trials or real-world evidence, using these stringent criteria.

Objectives:

To report an exploratory analysis on achievement of sustained REM/LDA in pts with PsA treated with SEC and impact on structural outcomes, physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the FUTURE 5 study (NCT02404350).

Methods:

FUTURE 5 is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2-year phase 3 trial in pts with active PsA.2 Pts randomised to SEC 150 mg could be escalated to 300 mg from Week (Wk) 52 to 104, based on investigators’ judgement. The pts were categorised as either not achieving REM/LDA, achieving it once only or sustained REM/LDA, which was defined as pts who achieved REM/LDA between Wks 24-52 and maintained the same response at least 2 of the next 6 visits (visit every 8 Wks). Of pts who did not achieve REM/LDA, achieved REM/LDA (VLDA, DAPSA REM, MDA, DAPSA LDA+REM) between Wk 24 and 52, the relationship between absence of REM/LDA, REM/LDA, sustained REM/LDA, proportion of pts with non-radiographic progression (assessed using the van der Heijde [mTSS]), physical function (health assessment questionnaire disability index [HAQ-DI]), and short form-36 physical component score [SF-36 PCS])3 were assessed.

Results:

In total, 996 pts were randomised to one of 4 treatment groups: SEC 300 mg loading dose (LD; N=222), SEC 150 mg LD (N=220), SEC 150 mg no loading dose (NL; N=222), and placebo (N=332). The baseline clinical characteristics were comparable across treatment groups. Majority of pts could achieve either sustained MDA/sustained DAPSA LDA+REM (Figure 1). Pts achieving REM/LDA, whether at one visit or consistently, showed improved physical function and SF36-PCS at Wk 104.3A high proportion of pts did not show radiographic progression at Wk 104 irrespective of achievement of REM/LDA category (Table 1).

Conclusion:

The majority of patients treated with secukinumab were able to achieve sustained LDA. Sustained LDA/REM was associated with improved HRQoL, physical function and inhibition of structural damage progression.

References:

[1]Coates LC, et al. J Rheumatol. 2018;46(1):38–42.

[2]Van der Heijde D, et al. Rheumatology. 2020;59(6):1325–1334.

[3]Coates L, et al. [0353]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72 (suppl 10).

Figure 1.

Proportion of patients achieving VLDA/MDA/DAPSA REM/DAPSA REM+LDASus-tained REM/LDA was defined if the same response was achieved at least 2 out of the next 6 visits (every 8 weeks), respectively. DAPSA, Disease activity in Psoriatic Arthritis; LD, loading dose; LDA, Low Disease Activity; MDA, Minimal Disease Activity; N, number of randomised patients assessed at both Week 24 and 104; NL, without loading dose; REM, remission; SEC, secukinumab; VLDA, Very Low Disease Activity

Table 1.

Percentage of vdH-mTSS no progression at Week 104 (change from baseline ≤0.5) by REM/LDA and sustained REM/LDA status

REM and LDA composite indices, n (%)Treatment groupNo REM/LDAREM/LDA only onceSustained REM/LDAMDASEC 150 mg LD64 (75.3)16 (80.0)76 (86.4)SEC 150 mg NL56 (75.7)15 (78.9)69 (82.1)SEC 300 mg LD58 (79.5)19 (95.0)100 (94.3)VLDASEC 150 mg LD108 (78.8)15 (83.3)30 (88.2)SEC 150 mg NL95 (75.4)13 (81.3)32 (91.4)SEC 300 mg LD 115 (84.6)17 (94.4)45 (100.0)DAPSA REMSEC 150 mg LD77 (76.2)11 (78.6)46 (92.0)SEC 150 mg NL65 (71.4)10 (76.9)50 (87.7)SEC 300 mg LD82 (83.7)14 (93.3)63 (96.9)DAPSA LDA + REMSEC 150 mg LD29 (70.7)16 (84.2)80 (84.2)SEC 150 mg NL23 (71.9)15 (75.0)79 (79.0)SEC 300 mg LD39 (88.6)21 (84.0)97 (89.0)

Sustained REM/LDA was defined if the same response was achieved at least twice out of the next 6 visits (every 8 weeks), respectively. n, number of evaluable patients; vdH-mTSS, van der Heijde- modified total Sharp score

Disclosure of Interests:

Laura C Coates Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Celgene, Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, 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, Gilead, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN, and UCB, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Sandra Navarra Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Novartis, Astra-Zeneca, Janssen, Lilly, and Astellas, Consultant of: Pfizer, Novartis, Astra-Zeneca, Janssen, Lilly, and Astellas, Weibin Bao Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Corine Gaillez Shareholder of: Novartis and BMS, Employee of: Novartis.

POS1044 EFFECT OF SECUKINUMAB VERSUS ADALIMUMAB ON ACR CORE COMPONENTS AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM THE EXCEED STUDY

Background:

EXCEED (NCT02745080) was the first fully blinded head-to-head trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of secukinumab (SEC) versus (vs) adalimumab (ADA) monotherapy in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with a primary endpoint of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 at Week 52. Although SEC narrowly missed statistical significance for superiority vs ADA, numerically higher response for other musculoskeletal endpoints and composite indices were observed with SEC.1

Objectives:

To explore the effect of SEC and ADA on ACR core components, function and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) outcomes.

Methods:

Patients were randomised 1:1 to receive SEC 300 mg (N=426) subcutaneous (s.c.) at baseline, Week 1-4, followed by every 4 weeks until Week 48 or ADA 40 mg (N=427) s.c. at baseline followed by same dosing every 2 weeks until Week 50. The primary, key secondary and some exploratory endpoints at Week 52 were previously reported.1 A supportive analysis for ACR50 response using logistic regression model and trimmed means model for Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) with gender and smoking status as factors was performed to adjust for imbalances in baseline characteristics. An exploratory analysis of ACR core components with SEC vs ADA at Week 52 was conducted using a mixed-effects repeated measures model that included tender and swollen joint counts, patient and physician global assessment, PsA pain (VAS) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. HRQoL variables were also exploratory and assessed based on Short Form Health Survey Physical/Mental Component Summary (SF-36 PCS/MCS) scores and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results:

The demographic and baseline disease characteristics were comparable across treatment groups, except for an imbalance in sex (females: 51.2% vs 46.4%) and smoking status (yes: 21.8% vs 17.8%) in SEC and ADA group, respectively. At Week 52, ACR50 responses were 49.0% and 44.8% (P=0.0929) and HAQ-DI mean change from baseline were −0.69 and −0.58 (P=0.0314) in SEC and ADA treatment groups, respectively after adjusting for gender and smoking status. No major difference across ACR core components was observed in both treatment groups at Week 52 (Table 1). At Week 52, SEC presented similar improvement in SF-36 PCS/MCS score and numerically higher improvement in DLQI compared to ADA (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

Secukinumab provided similar improvements in ACR core components and SF-36 based quality of life at Week 52 with adalimumab. Greater improvement in HAQ-DI response and DLQI was demonstrated with secukinumab compared to adalimumab.

References:

[1]McInnes IB, et al. Lancet. 2020; 395:1496–505.

Table 1.

ACR Core Components at Week 52

VariablesSecukinumab 300 mg(N=426)Adalimumab 40 mg(N=427)P-valueBL, mean ± SELSM change from BL ± SEBL, mean ± SELSM change from BL ± SETender joint score(based on 78 joints)19.4 ± 13.86−14.27 ± 0.4420.6 ± 14.81−13.90 ± 0.450.5549Swollen joint score(based on 76 joints)9.7 ± 7.30−8.41 ± 0.1910.2 ± 7.86−8.06 ± 0.200.1962Patients global assessment64.0 ± 19.67−33.81 ± 1.1461.9 ± 20.75−31.61 ± 1.190.1825Physicians global assessment60.0 ± 17.12−46.24 ± 0.8061.4 ± 15.92−43.63 ± 0.840.0243Psoriatic arthritis pain (VAS)58.6 ± 23.49−30.21 ± 1.1857.9 ± 22.42−29.44 ± 1.230.6500Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/h)23.8 ± 18.93−9.63 ± 0.6223.9 ± 17.99−9.28 ± 0.640.7029

LS mean and nominal P-values are from a mixed-effects repeated measures model with treatment group, analysis visit as factors, weight and BL score as covariates, and by treatment and BL score as interaction terms, unstructured covariance structure. ACR, American College of Rheumatology; BL, baseline; LSM, least squares mean; N, total number of randomised patients; SE, standard error; VAS, visual analogue scale

Figure 1.

HRQoL Analysis at Week 52

Disclosure of Interests:

Philippe Goupille Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Chugai, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Medac, MSD, Nordic Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi and UCB, Frank Behrens Paid instructor for: Eli Lilly, Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Genzyme, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, MSD, Celgene, Roche and Chugai, Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Janssen, Chugai, Celgene and Roche, Laura C Coates Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Biogen, BMS, Celgene, Domain, Eli Lilly, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Medac, Novartis, Pfizer, Serac and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Jordi Gratacos-Masmitja Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis and Pfizer, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Genentech, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galapagos, Celgene, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, SUN Pharma, and UCB, Dafna D Gladman Consultant of: Amgen, AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Galapagos, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Grant/research support from: Amgen, AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer and UCB, Peter Nash Speakers bureau: Novartis, Abbvie, Roche, Pfizer, BMS, Janssen, Celgene, UCB, Eli Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, Gilead, Consultant of: Novartis, Abbvie, Roche, Pfizer, BMS, Janssen, Celgene, UCB, Eli Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, Gilead, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Abbvie, Roche, Pfizer, BMS, Janssen, Celgene, UCB, Eli Lilly, MSD, Sanofi, Gilead, Arthur Kavanaugh Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB, Ruvie Martin Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Weibin Bao Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Corine Gaillez Shareholder of: Novartis and BMS, Employee of: Novartis, Iain McInnes Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB.

Efficacy of secukinumab and adalimumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis and concomitant moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: results from EXCEED, a randomized, double-blind head-to-head monotherapy study

Background

Secukinumab [an interleukin (IL)‐17A inhibitor] has demonstrated significantly higher efficacy vs. etanercept (a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor) and ustekinumab (an IL‐12/23 inhibitor) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Objectives

To report 52‐week results from a prespecified analysis of patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) having concomitant moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis from the head‐to‐head EXCEED monotherapy study comparing secukinumab with adalimumab.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive secukinumab 300 mg via subcutaneous injection at baseline, week 1–4, and then every 4 weeks until week 48 or adalimumab 40 mg via subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks from baseline until week 50. Assessments in patients with concomitant moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, defined as having affected body surface area > 10% or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥ 10 at baseline, included musculoskeletal, skin and quality‐of‐life outcomes. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation.

Results

Of the 853 patients [secukinumab (N = 426), adalimumab (N = 427)], 211 (24·7%) had concomitant moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis [secukinumab (N = 110, 25·8%), adalimumab (N = 101, 23·7%)]. Up to week 50, 5·5% of patients discontinued secukinumab vs.17·8% in the adalimumab group. The proportion of patients who achieved American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20 response was 76·4% with secukinumab vs. 68·3% with adalimumab (P = 0·175), PASI 100 response was 39·1% vs. 23·8% (P = 0·013), and simultaneous improvement in ACR 50 and PASI 100 response at week 52 was 28·2% vs. 17·7%, respectively (P = 0·06). Secukinumab demonstrated consistently higher responses vs. adalimumab across skin endpoints.

Conclusions

This prespecified analysis in PsA patients with concomitant moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in the EXCEED study provides further evidence that IL‐17 inhibitors offer a comprehensive biological treatment to manage the concomitant features of psoriasis and PsA.

What is already known about this topic?

Secukinumab, an interleukin‐17A inhibitor, has previously been reported to have significantly higher efficacy in head‐to‐head trials vs. etanercept and ustekinumab in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

What does this study add?

The results of the study provide valuable head‐to‐head data on the efficacy of two biologics with different mechanisms of action (secukinumab and adalimumab) as first‐line biological monotherapy for patients with psoriatic arthritis and concomitant moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

The findings of this study can further help physicians to make informed and evidence‐based decisions for the treatment of patients with active psoriatic arthritis who have concomitant moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis.

Linked Comment: E. Sbidian and L. Pina‐Vegas. Br J Dermatol 2021; 185:1085.

The risk of malignancy in patients with secukinumab-treated psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: analysis of clinical trial and postmarketing surveillance data with up to five years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Data on the use of biologic therapy and malignancy risk are inconsistent due to limited long-term robust studies.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the malignancy risk in patients with secukinumab-treated psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

METHODS

This integrated safety analysis from both the secukinumab clinical trial programme and postmarketing safety surveillance data included any patient receiving at least one approved dose of secukinumab with a maximum of 5 years of follow-up. Safety analyses evaluated the rate of malignancy using exposure-adjusted incidence rates [EAIR; incidence rates per 100 patient treatment-years (PTY)]. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were reported using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database as a reference population. Crude incidence of malignancy was also reported using postmarketing surveillance data.

RESULTS

Safety data from 49 clinical trials with secukinumab-treated patients were included: 10 685 patients with psoriasis, 2523 with PsA and 1311 with AS. Across indications over a 5-year period, the EAIR of malignancy was 0·85 per 100 PTY [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·74-0·98] in secukinumab-treated patients, corresponding to 204 patients per 23 908 PTY. Overall, the observed vs. expected number of malignancies from secukinumab clinical trial data were comparable, as indicated by an SIR of 0·99 (95% CI 0·82-1·19) across indications. The estimated crude cumulative incidence reporting rate per 100 PTY for malignancy was 0·27 in the postmarketing surveillance data across indications with a cumulative exposure of 285 811 PTY.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large safety analysis, the risk of malignancy was low for up to 5 years of secukinumab treatment. These data support the long-term use of secukinumab in these indications.

Catalytic Upgrading of Coal Pyrolysis Volatiles by Porous Carbon Materials Derived from the Blend of Biochar and Coal

A suite of carbon materials is prepared from biochar and coal at three different blending ratios with 10, 20, and 30% biochar by mass. These carbon materials are activated by steam to obtain porous structures. The effect of the inactivated and activated carbon materials on the cracking of coal pyrolysis volatiles is evaluated. The results indicate that the inactivated carbon materials are beneficial to improve the yield of light oil with a boiling point below 170 °C. The steam-activated carbon materials are more conducive to cracking tar pitch than the inactivated carbon materials due to the increased defects in carbon structure. However, it is also easy to form more coke deposits. More components rich in hydrogen are cracked to generate radicals that could combine with the phenols' precursor over carbon materials, and the content of phenols in tar is increased. The carbon materials prepared from biochar and coal using this method show distinct advantages as filter media in the granular bed duster. It can improve the quality of tar along with reducing the dust content in tar.

FRI0272 SECUKINUMAB DEMONSTRATES A CONSISTENT SAFETY PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS, PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS OVER LONG TERM: UPDATED POOLED SAFETY ANALYSES

Background:

Pooled safety data has been reported with secukinumab (SEC) in patients (pts) with Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Psoriasis (PsO).1

Objectives:

To report longer-term safety data of SEC treatment in PsA, AS, PsO pts up to 5 years.

Methods:

The integrated clinical trial safety dataset included data pooled from 28 randomised controlled clinical trials of SEC 300 or 150 or 75 mg in PsO (11 Phase 3 and 8 Phase 4 trials), PsA (5 Phase 3 trials), and AS (4 Phase 3 trials), along with post-marketing safety surveillance data with a cut-off date of 25 December 2018. Adverse events (AEs) were reported as exposure-adjusted incident rates (EAIRs) per 100 pt-years. Analyses included all pts who received ≥1 dose of SEC.

Results:

A total of 12637 pts (8819, 2678 and 1140 pts with PsO, PsA and AS, with an exposure of 15063.1, 5984.6 and 3527.2 pt-years, respectively) were included. The most frequent AE was upper respiratory tract infection and EAIR per 100 pt-years for IBD, malignancies and MACE remained low. The EAIR per 100 pt-years for adverse events (AEs) of special interest are reported in Table 1. The cumulative post-marketing exposure to SEC was estimated to be ~285,811 pt-years across the approved indications. Safety data from post-marketing surveillance are reported in Table 2.

Table 1.

Selected AEs of interest with SEC across pooled clinical trials

VariablePsOPsAASSECN=8819SECN=2678SECN=1140Exposure (Days), Mean (SD)623.9 (567.7)816.2 (580.7)1130.1 (583.0)Death, n (%)15 (0.2)13 (0.5)10 (0.9)Selected AE’s of interest, EAIR (95% CI)Serious infections11.4 (1.2, 1.6)1.8 (1.5, 2.2)1.2 (0.9, 1.6)Candidainfections22.9 (2.7, 3.2)1.5 (1.2, 1.9)0.7 (0.5, 1.1)IBD3Crohn’s disease3Ulcerative colitis30.01 (0.0, 0.05)0.1 (0.05, 0.2)0.1 (0.08, 0.2)0.03 (0.0, 0.1)0.1 (0.04, 0.2)0.1 (0.04, 0.2)0.03 (0.0, 0.2)0.4 (0.24, 0.7)0.2 (0.1, 0.5)MACE40.4 (0.31, 0.5)0.4 (0.3, 0.6)0.7 (0.4, 1.0)Uveitis30.01 (0.0, 0.05)0.1 (0.04, 0.2)1.2 (0.9, 1.7)Malignancy50.9 (0.7, 1.0)1.0 (0.77, 1.3)0.5 (0.3, 0.8)

1Rates for system organ class;2Rates for high level term;3Rates for preferred term (PT; IBD for unspecified IBD);4Rates for Novartis MedDRA Query term;5Rates for standardized MedDRA query term – ‘malignancies and unspecified tumour’; EAIR, exposure adjusted incidence rate per 100 pt-years; N, number of pts in the analysis

Table 2.

Summary of SEC post-marketing safety

Exposure (PTY)PSUR126Dec14 -25Jun15PSUR226 Jun - 25Dec15PSUR326Dec15 -25Jun16PSUR426Jun -25Dec16PSUR526Dec16 -25Dec17PSUR626Dec17 -25Dec18Cumulative18387450168712854993744137325285811                    n (Reporting rate PTY)Serious infections89 (4.8)149 (2.0)232 (1.4)475 (1.7)649 (0.7)1841 (1.3)3980 (1.4)Malignancy2 (0.1)15 (0.2)21 (0.1)50 (0.2)225 (0.2)422 (0.3)788 (0.3)Total IBD4 (0.2)12 (0.2)37(0.2)46 (0.2)185 (0.2)340 (0.3)693 (0.2)MACE6 (0.3)15 (0.2)16 (0.1)39 (0.1)151 (0.2)238 (0.2)504 (0.2)

PSUR, periodic safety update report; PTY, pt-treatment years

Conclusion:

In this long-term analysis across clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, of pts with PsO, PsA and AS, SEC was well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with previous reports.1

Reference:

[1]Deodhar et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2019) 21:111.

Disclosure of Interests:

Atul Deodhar Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GSK, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS), Eli Lilly, GSK, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Iain McInnes Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Janssen, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, 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, Kristian Reich Grant/research support from: Affibody; Almirall; Amgen; Biogen; Boehringer Ingelheim; Celgene; Centocor; Covagen; Eli Lilly; Forward Pharma; Fresenius Medical Care; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen; Kyowa Kirin; LEO Pharma; Medac; Merck; Novartis; Miltenyi Biotec; Ocean Pharma; Pfizer; Regeneron; Samsung Bioepis; Sanofi Genzyme; Takeda; UCB; Valeant and Xenoport., Consultant of: Affibody; Almirall; Amgen; Biogen; Boehringer Ingelheim; Celgene; Centocor; Covagen; Eli Lilly; Forward Pharma; Fresenius Medical Care; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen; Kyowa Kirin; LEO Pharma; Medac; Merck; Novartis; Miltenyi Biotec; Ocean Pharma; Pfizer; Regeneron; Samsung Bioepis; Sanofi Genzyme; Takeda; UCB; Valeant and Xenoport., Speakers bureau: Affibody; Almirall; Amgen; Biogen; Boehringer Ingelheim; Celgene; Centocor; Covagen; Eli Lilly; Forward Pharma; Fresenius Medical Care; GlaxoSmithKline; Janssen; Kyowa Kirin; LEO Pharma; Medac; Merck; Novartis; Miltenyi Biotec; Ocean Pharma; Pfizer; Regeneron; Samsung Bioepis; Sanofi Genzyme; Takeda; UCB; Valeant and Xenoport., Alice B Gottlieb Grant/research support from:: Research grants, consultation fees, or speaker honoraria for lectures from: Pfizer, AbbVie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sandoz, Nordic, Celltrion and UCB., Consultant of:: Research grants, consultation fees, or speaker honoraria for lectures from: Pfizer, AbbVie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sandoz, Nordic, Celltrion and UCB., Speakers bureau:: Research grants, consultation fees, or speaker honoraria for lectures from: Pfizer, AbbVie, BMS, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi, Sandoz, Nordic, Celltrion and UCB., Mark Lebwohl Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Clinuvel, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Kadmon Corp., LLC, Leo Pharmaceutucals, Medimmune, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, Sciderm, UCB, Inc., and ViDac, Consultant of: Allergan, Almirall, Arcutis, Inc., Avotres Therapeutics, BirchBioMed Inc., Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Castle Biosciences, Corrona, Dermavant Sciences, Evelo, Foundation for Research and Education in Dermatology, Inozyme Pharma, LEO Pharma, Meiji Seika Pharma, Menlo, Mitsubishi, Neuroderm, Pfizer, Promius/Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Theravance, and Verrica, Stefan Schreiber Consultant of: AbbVie, Arena, BMS, Biogen, Celltrion, Celgene, IMAB, Gilead, MSD, Mylan, Pfizer, Fresenius, Janssen, Takeda, Theravance, provention Bio, Protagonist and Falk, Weibin Bao Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Kwaku Marfo Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Hanno Richards Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Luminita Pricop Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Abhijit Shete Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Jorge Safi Shareholder of: Novartis, Employee of: Novartis, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau

Effect of impregnation sequence of Pd/Ce/γ-Al2O3 sorbents on Hg0 removal from coal derived fuel gas

This study attempted to investigate the effect of impregnation sequence of the Pd/Ce/γ-Al₂O₃ sorbents on Hg⁰ removal. To this end, five kinds of sorbents were prepared and tested in simulated coal derived fuel gas (N₂-H₂-CO-H₂S-Hg), including Pd/γ-Al₂O₃, Ce/γ-Al₂O₃ and three kinds of Pd-based sorbents with Ce impregnation on γ-Al₂O₃ substrate. The tests were conducted at 250 and 300 °C respectively. According to the results, bimetallic Ce-Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ sorbent prepared by simultaneously impregnating Pd and Ce showed much higher and more stable removal efficiency of Hg⁰ than the other three kinds of sorbents. The Hg⁰ removal efficiency of Ce-Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ sorbent reached above 98% within 480 min at 250 °C and 91% within 200 min at 300 °C. Characterization results indicated that the sorbent Ce-Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ prepared by the co-impregnation method had bigger specific surface area (216.6 m²/g) than the other three kinds of Pd-based sorbents. The content Pd and Ce on the sorbent Ce-Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ surface is 0.21% and 0.61%, which proved higher than that of the other three kinds of Pd-based sorbents, and observation from STEM-XEDS maps showed it demonstrated the highest dispersion. It is found that Ce is likely to promote the dispersion of Pd on the support surface during the preparation of the sorbent under the co-impregnation method. Meanwhile, Ce enhanced the H₂S resistance of the sorbent. Thereby, Ce-Pd/γ-Al₂O₃ sorbent is found to have the optimal performance of mercury removal. In this study, the Hg⁰ removal mechanism of the Pd/Ce/γ-Al₂O₃ sorbents in the simulated coal derived fuel gas was also elaborated.

Effect of lignite as support precursor on deep desulfurization performance of semicoke supported zinc oxide sorbent in hot coal gas

In this study, four different semicoke supported zinc oxide sorbents were prepared by combining high-pressure impregnation and heat treatment using four different lignites (Zhaotong, Xiaolongtan, Huolinhe, and Shengli districts) as precursors of supports and zinc nitrate as precursor of the active component. Their desulfurization performances were studied in a fixed-bed reactor at 400 °C in simulated coal gas. The physico-chemical properties of raw lignites were investigated using chemical titration, nitrogen adsorption and thermogravimetry (TG). The physico-chemical structures of sorbents were characterized by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the lignite as support precursor plays a critical role in the desulfurization performance of the sorbent. It affects the desulfurization activity of the prepared sorbent by influencing the loading content and utilization rate of the active component of the sorbent. The sorbent HPZn/C(Z) prepared using Zhaotong lignite presents the best desulfurization performance owing to its higher content and utilization rate of the active component, with a 13.74 h breakthrough time with the breakthrough sulfur capacity of 3.69 g sulfur/100 g sorbent. It is found that the loading content of the active component depends on the pore structure of the raw lignite, how its pore structure changes in high-pressure impregnation process and the content of oxygen-containing functional groups on its surface. The utilization rate of the active component is associated with the pore structure properties of the sorbent formed during heat treatment.

Effect of lignite as support precursor on desulfurization performance of semicoke supported zinc oxide sorbent.

1410Clinical predictors of NT-proBNP response to early initiation of sacubitril/valsartan after hospitalisation for decompensated heart failure: An analysis of the TRANSITION study

Background

NT-proBNP has diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). Compared with enalapril, sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) significantly reduced NT-proBNP within 1 week (wk) of administration and reduced HF re-hospitalisation in patients with acute decompensated HF (ADHF) in PIONEER-HF. Identification of predictors of NT-proBNP reduction with S/V could aid prognostication following hospitalisation.

Methods

TRANSITION (NCT02661217) is an open label study in stabilised ADHF patients with HFrEF that compared S/V initiation pre- versus post-discharge (within 2 wk of discharge). Baseline NT-proBNP was measured at randomisation in both S/V groups (n=950). Clinical predictors of favourable response of NT-proBNP to S/V therapy (defined as reduction to <1000 pg/ml or >30% reduction vs. baseline) were studied at discharge, 4 wk and 10 wk post-randomisation.

Results

Median NT-proBNP at randomisation was similar in patients with S/V started pre- and post-discharge (1919 vs 1659 pg/ml). In patients receiving S/V in-hospital, NT-proBNP was reduced by 28% at discharge, compared to a 3% reduction in patients receiving optimised standard of care (between group p<0.001). A favorable response was reached in 46% vs 18% patients at discharge, 46% vs 42% at 4 weeks and 51% vs 48% at 10 weeks in pre- vs post-discharge groups. (Figure 1). Predictors of favourable NT-proBNP response to S/V at discharge were hypertension and shorter time from admission to first S/V dose. At 4 wk after randomisation, NT-proBNP was reduced similarly in patients started on S/V pre- and post-discharge. When the two S/V initiation groups were combined, predictors of favorable NT-proBNP response at 4 wk were higher initial dose of S/V (≥49/51 mg b.i.d.), higher baseline levels of NT-proBNP, de novo HF hospitalisation, ACEI/ARB naïve, lower baseline creatinine, no atrial fibrillation (AFib), no prior myocardial infarction (MI). A further reduction in NT-proBNP was seen at 10 wk post-randomisation in patients started on S/V pre- and post-discharge (38% vs 34%, between group p=0.250). Predictors of favourable NT-proBNP response to S/V were similar at 4 wk and 10 wk post-randomisation.

Conclusion

In-hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan shortly after stabilisation was associated with a prompt improvement of NT-proBNP already at discharge, whereas higher baseline levels of NT-proBNP, higher starting dose, absence of AFib and MI history, de novo HF and ACEI/ARB naïve status were associated with favourable NT-proBNP response in the vulnerable phase after discharge.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The TRANSITION study was funded by Novartis

Regeneration of the Waste Selective Catalytic Reduction Denitrification Catalyst by Nitric Acid Washing

In this study, the waste V₂O₅-WO₃/TiO₂ denitrification catalysts from the coal-fired power plant were washed with water or nitric acid, followed by impregnating different contents of V₂O₅. The effects of the HNO₃ concentration and the additional amount of vanadium on the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction denitrification activity were investigated under the condition of high concentration of SO₂ and H₂O. The catalysts were characterized by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction , N₂ adsorption/desorption, H₂-temperature-programmed reduction, NH₃-temperature-programmed desorption , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , and Raman spectroscopy. The evaluation results revealed that optimum activity was achieved by using 0.8 mol/L HNO₃ solution and loading 1.60 wt % V₂O₅ to make the total V₂O₅ reach 2.3 wt %. The characterization results showed that nitric washing can remove most of the ammonium salts deposited on the surface of the waste catalyst and produce crystalline WO₃, which can effectively inhibit the agglomeration of vanadium species in the process of impregnation. Furthermore, it can also increase the amount of oligomeric VO _x , which can improve the denitration activity.

P773Initiation of sacubitril/valsartan and optimisation of evidence-based heart failure therapies after hospitalisation for acute decompensated heart failure: An analysis of the TRANSITION study

Background

Optimisation of chronic heart failure (HF) therapy remains the key strategy to improve outcomes after hospitalisation for acute decompensated HF (ADHF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Initiation and uptitration of disease-modifying therapies is challenging in this vulnerable patient population. We aimed to describe the patterns of treatment optimisation including sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) in the TRANSITION study.

Methods

TRANSITION (NCT02661217) was a randomised, open-label study comparing S/V initiation pre- vs. post-discharge (1–14 days) in patients admitted for ADHF after haemodynamic stabilisation. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 97/103 mg S/V twice daily (bid) at 10 weeks post-randomisation. Up-titration of S/V was as per label. Information on dose of S/V and on the use of concomitant HF medication was collected at each study visit up to week 26.

Results

A total of 493 patients received at least one dose of S/V in the pre-discharge arm and 489 patients in the post-discharge arm. One month after randomisation, 45% of patients in the pre-d/c arm vs. 44% in the post-discharge arm used 24/26 mg bid starting dose and 42% vs. 40% were on 49/51 mg S/V bid, respectively. At week 10, 47% of patients had achieved the target dose in the pre-discharge arm vs. 51% in the post-discharge arm. At the end of the follow-up at 26 weeks, the proportion of patients on S/V target dose further increased to 53% in the pre-discharge and 61% in the post-discharge arm (Figure 1). At week 10, the mean dose of S/V was 132 mg in the pre-discharge arm and 136 mg in the post-discharge arm, and at week 26, it was 140 mg and 147 mg, respectively.

Before hospital admission, 52% and 54% of the patients received a beta-blocker (BB) in the pre-discharge and post-discharge group, respectively, and 42% in both arms received a mineralcorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). At time of discharge, 68% and 71%% of the patients received a BB and 68% and 65% an MRA, in the pre-discharge and post-discharge groups, respectively. These proportions remained stable to week 10 and week 26.

Uptitration of sacubitril/valsartan

Conclusions

In the vulnerable post-ADHF population, initiation of S/V and up-titration to target dose was feasible within 10 weeks in half of the patients alongside with a 20% increase in the use of other disease-modifying medications that remained stable through the end of the 6-month follow-up.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The TRANSITION study was funded by Novartis

P1637Rehospitalisations during 26 weeks of follow up from initiation of sacubitril/valsartan after acute decompensated heart failure: An analysis of the TRANSITION study

Background

Patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are at high risk of recurrent hospitalisations and death. In-hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) reduced the risk for HF re-hospitalisation by 44% compared to enalapril in the PIONEER-HF study during the 8-week follow-up period. We aimed to describe the pattern of readmissions and their causes in the TRANSITION study, which randomised participants to pre-discharge or post-discharge initation of S/V.

Methods

TRANSITION (NCT02661217) was a randomised, open-label study comparing S/V initiation pre- vs. post-discharge (1–14 days) in haemodynamically stabilised patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, admitted for ADHF. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 97/103 mg S/V twice daily at 10 weeks post-randomisation. Information on rehospitalisation was collected throughout the study up to 26 weeks.

Results

A total of 493 patients received S/V in the pre-discharge arm and 489 patients in the post-discharge arm. Readmissions due to any cause were reported in 9.7% and 18.1% in the pre-discharge arm vs. 10.6% and 21.3% in the post-discharge arm within 30 days, and 10 weeks respectively. During the 26-weeks follow-up, all-cause readmission was reported in 34.5% of patients in the pre-discharge arm vs. 34.6% in the post-discharge arm. Median time to first rehospitalisation was 67 days in the pre-discharge arm (IQR: 26–110 days) and 50 days (IQR: 23–108 days) in the post-discharge arm. At least one HF hospitalisation was reported in 7.5% of patients in the pre-discharge arm and 7.4% in the post-discharge arm during 10 weeks and in 11.8% and 12.3% of patients, respectively, during 26 weeks of follow-up. Median duration of HF readmission was 7 days (IQR: 4–11 days) in the pre-discharge group and 6.5 days (IQR: 6.5–10 days) in the post-discharge arm. In total 2.6% and 5.5% patients in pre-discharge arm and 3.9% and 7% in the post-discharge arm visited an emergency room during 10 weeks and 26 weeks, respectively.

Conclusions

Initiation of S/V in patients hospitalised for ADHF either before or shortly after discharge, results in comparable rates of all cause and HF rehospitalisations, as well as emergency room visits without hospital admission over the 26 week follow-up period. HF re-hospitalisations rates at 10 weeks in TRANSITION are in line with the 8% in S/V arm reported in PIONEER-HF during the 8-weeks follow-up.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The TRANSITION study was funded by Novartis

Influence of modifications on the deep desulfurization behavior of NaY and Na13X zeolites in gasoline

NaY and Na13X zeolites were modified by different modification manners including H⁺ modification, metal ion modification (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, or Ce³⁺), and H⁺ modification followed by metal ion modification to investigate their deep desulfurization behavior in gasoline. The sorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR of chemisorbed pyridine, N₂ adsorption, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The desulfurization performance of these sorbents was evaluated in model gasoline containing thiophene and cyclohexane with thiophene concentration of 500 mg/L, and the results were analyzed to investigate the effect of preparation methods on adsorption desulfurization behavior. The result indicates that H⁺ modification or metal ion modification could all improve the desulfurization performance of both NaY and Na13X zeolites, except for Na13X modified by Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺. For Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺ ion exchanging, the crystal structure of Na13X would be destroyed, resulting in a much lower desulfurization efficiency than that of the parent Na13X. The desulfurization efficiency of sorbents prepared via H⁺ modification followed by metal ion modification is higher than that of sorbents prepared by single H⁺ modification or single metal ion modification, because the former is more conducive to improve the content of metal elements on the sorbents than the latter. In addition, the increase of the specific surface area and pore volume of the sorbents would directly lead to the improvement of desulfurization performance of the sorbents. Compared with Na13X, the H⁺ modification on NaY zeolite can significantly enhance the desulfurization performance of the sorbents. Among those prepared sorbents, the CuHY has the highest desulfurization efficiency. The influence of thiophene concentration (100-1000 mg/L) on desulfurization efficiency of CuHY sorbent was evaluated. The results indicate that the desulfurization efficiency of CuHY sorbent is nearly 100% at room temperature, when the thiophene concentration is lower than 300 mg/L. Moreover, its desulfurization behavior could be described by Langmuir isothermal equation. Graphic abstract .

Evolution of Pore Structure during Pressurized Dewatering and Effects on Moisture Readsorption of Lignite

In this study, pressurized method was used to dry lignite at moderate temperature to change its pore structure but preserve its oxygen-containing functional groups. The effects of drying conditions (time, pressure, and temperature) on equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and pore structure of dewatered coals were investigated, and the correlations between pore structure and EMC were also evaluated. The pore structure parameters of raw coal and dewatered coals were measured by nitrogen adsorption experiments. The EMC of dewatered coals was obtained by gravimetric method. The results indicated that the porous structure of dewatered coal was jointly affected by three factors (drying time, pressure, and temperature) in the initial pressurized drying stage. The drying pressure exhibited obvious effect in the initial stage of drying lignite. Destruction of pores under pressure was prevented due to the water present in these pores. To further improve the pore structures of dehydrated coals obtained by high-pressure treatment, the temperature was increased to above 140 °C under 3 MPa; thus, a large number of macropores were evolved into mesopores. Furthermore, the experiments on water reabsorption by dewatered coals indicated that the EMC (0.15-0.18) of dehydrated coal was the lowest when the pressure was 3 MPa, temperature was 140-160 °C, and the time required was 30 min. The moisture readsorption contents of dehydrated coals were found to be positively correlated with its pore volume at high relative humidity. When the relative humidity was below 20%, they were related to specific surface areas or oxygen-containing functional groups. Therefore, pressure in the process of drying lignite was the main factor influencing the pore structure and the water reabsorption of dewatered coals, and the drying temperature was dominant under the pressurizing conditions.

MiR-99a-5p regulates proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of human oral carcinoma cells by targeting NOX4

Previous research has showed that miR-99a-5p was a tumor suppressor. The aim of our study was to explore the effect of miR-99a-5p on the vitality and proliferation, migration together with the invasion of oral tumor cells via inhibiting the expression of NOX4. QRT-PCR and Western blot were applied to examine the expression level of miR-99a-5p and NOX4 in human oral tumorous and adjacent tissues. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to confirm that miR-99a-5p negatively regulated directly on NOX4 in TSCC1 cells. Cell transfection and lentiviral vectors were used to up-regulate expression of miR-99a-5p and NOX4, respectively. Cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and invasion along with the migration in different groups were assessed using MTT assay, colony formation assay, the flow cytometry, transwell assay and the wound healing assay, respectively. MiR-99a-5p was under-expressed in human oral tumor, while NOX4 was over-expressed. There was a negative relationship between miR-99a-5p and NOX4. Up-regulating miR-99a-5p or down-regulating NOX4 suppressed the vitality, proliferation, migration together with invasion of TSCC1 cells. MiR-99a-5p affected the vitality and proliferation, migration together with the invasion of oral tumor cells through targeting NOX4.

Abstract P6-18-05: First-line ribociclib + endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: A pooled efficacy analysis

Background: In three separate Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trials, ribociclib (RIB; cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor) + various endocrine therapy (ET) partners prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo (PBO) + ET in patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2–) advanced breast cancer (ABC). Here we further evaluate the efficacy of RIB-based regimens of interest (i.e. with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor [NSAI] or fulvestrant [FUL]) in pts who were ET-naïve in the ABC setting, using pooled data from three Phase III trials: MONALEESA (ML)-2 (NCT01958021; all pts), ML-3 (NCT02422615; no prior ET for ABC subgroup only), and ML-7 (NCT02278120; RIB + NSAI subgroup only).

Methods: Postmenopausal pts with no prior ET for ABC received RIB (600 mg/day; 3-weeks-on/1-week-off) or PBO + either letrozole (2.5 mg/day) in ML-2 or FUL (500 mg every 28 days, with an additional dose on Day 15 of Cycle 1) in ML-3. In ML-7, premenopausal pts with no prior ET and ≤1 line of chemotherapy for ABC received RIB or PBO + goserelin (3.6 mg every 28 days) + NSAI (anastrozole [1 mg/day]/letrozole [2.5 mg/day]). The primary endpoint of all three trials was locally assessed PFS. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), and duration of response (DoR; ML-3 and -7). DoR was an exploratory endpoint in ML-2.

Results: Data were pooled for 820 pts treated with RIB + ET (ML-2: n=334; ML-3: n=238; ML-7: n=248) and 710 pts treated with PBO + ET (ML-2: n=334; ML-3: n=129; ML-7: n=247). As of the data cutoffs (ML-2: January 2, 2017; ML-3: November 3, 2017; ML-7: August 20, 2017), in the RIB + ET vs PBO + ET arms, 385 (47%) vs 234 (33%) pts remained on-treatment; the most common reason for discontinuation was disease progression (n=292 [36%] vs n=391 [55%]). In this pooled analysis, median PFS was prolonged for RIB + ET vs PBO + ET, with a hazard ratio of 0.570 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.491–0.662); median PFS was 25.3 months (95% CI 23.9–29.6) vs 15.6 months (95% CI 14.4–16.9), respectively. Consistent PFS benefit for RIB + ET vs PBO + ET was observed across pt subgroups, including ECOG performance status, age, race, or presence/absence of liver and/or lung metastases or bone-only disease. Among all pts in the pooled analysis, the ORR was 41% for RIB + ET vs 28% for PBO + ET and the CBR was 79% vs 70%, respectively. In pts with measurable disease at baseline (RIB + ET: n=639; PBO + ET: n=542), the ORR was 51% for RIB + ET vs 37% for PBO + ET and the CBR was 79% vs 68%, respectively. In the RIB + ET vs PBO + ET arms, the median DoR was 26.7 months vs 20.0 months. A decrease in best percentage change from baseline in the sum of longest diameters per RECIST was observed in 86% of pts receiving RIB + ET vs 73% of pts receiving PBO + ET.

Conclusions: RIB in combination with various ET partners demonstrates improved clinical outcomes vs PBO + ET across a broad population of pts with HR+, HER2– ABC. These data provide further support for the use of RIB-based combinations in pre- and postmenopausal pts with HR+, HER2– ABC who have received no prior ET for advanced disease.

Citation Format: Tripathy D, Hortobagyi G, Chan A, Im S-A, Chia S, Yardley D, Esteva FJ, Hurvitz S, Kong O, Bao W, Rodriguez Lorenc K, Diaz-Padilla I, Slamon DJ. First-line ribociclib + endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: A pooled efficacy analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-18-05.

Abstract P6-18-15: Ribociclib + endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: A pooled safety analysis

Background: In Phase III trials, ribociclib (RIB; cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor) + various endocrine therapy (ET) partners has demonstrated significantly prolonged progression-free survival vs placebo (PBO) + ET in patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative (HER2–) advanced breast cancer (ABC). Here we further evaluate the safety of RIB-based regimens of interest for the proposed indication (i.e. with a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor [NSAI] or fulvestrant [FUL]) using pooled data from three Phase III trials (MONALEESA [ML]-2 [NCT01958021], -3 [NCT02422615], and -7 [NCT02278120]).

Methods: Postmenopausal pts with HR+, HER2– ABC received RIB (600 mg/day; 3-weeks-on/1-week-off) or PBO + letrozole (LET; 2.5 mg/day; ML-2 [no prior ET for ABC]) or FUL (500 mg, Days 1 and 15 of Cycle 1, then Day 1 of every cycle thereafter; ML-3; no or ≤1 prior line of ET for ABC]). Premenopausal pts (ML-7; no prior ET and ≤1 chemotherapy for ABC]) received RIB or PBO + anastrozole (1 mg/day)/LET (2.5 mg/day) + goserelin (3.6 mg every 28 days). Adverse events (AEs) were characterized per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.03; safety analyses included time to first event, duration of event, and rate of associated RIB/PBO discontinuations.

Results: Data for 1883 pts were pooled; 1065 pts received RIB + ET and 818 pts received PBO + ET (median exposure to study treatment: 17 and 13 months, respectively). Exposure-adjusted incidence rates for AEs of special interest were 561 and 131 per 100 pt-years in the RIB and PBO arms, respectively. The most common all-causality Grade 3/4 AEs (≥10% in any arm; RIB vs PBO) were neutropenia (59% vs 2%), leukopenia (18% vs 1%), and hypertension (13% vs 13%). A new Fridericia's corrected QT interval (QTcF) &gt;480 ms occurred in (n/N) 52/1054 (5%) vs 11/814 (1%) pts in the RIB vs PBO arms; a new QTcF &gt;500 ms occurred in 14/1054 (1%) vs 1/814 (&lt;1%) pts. Median time to first event for Grade ≥2 neutropenia, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and QTc prolongation in the RIB arm was 2, 12, and 2 weeks, respectively; median duration of first Grade ≥2 event was 4, 4, and 2 weeks. In the RIB arm vs PBO arms, 7% vs 3% of pts discontinued study treatment due to AEs; common all-grade AEs leading to RIB/PBO discontinuation (≥2% in any arm) were elevated ALT (4% vs &lt;1%) and elevated AST (2% vs 1%). Discontinuation due to QT prolongation occurred in 4 pts in the RIB arm and 2 in the PBO arm (both &lt;1%). All-grade serious AEs occurred in 25% of pts in the RIB arm vs 15% of pts in the PBO arm.

Conclusions: RIB in combination with various ET partners continues to demonstrate a predictable and manageable tolerability profile across a broad population of pts with HR+, HER2– ABC.

Citation Format: Burris HA, Chan A, Im S-A, Chia S, Tripathy D, Esteva FJ, Campone M, Bardia A, Kong O, Bao W, Diaz-Padilla I, Rodriguez Lorenc K, Yardley DA. Ribociclib + endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: A pooled safety analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-18-15.

Randomised clinical trial: gastrointestinal events in arthritis patients treated with celecoxib, ibuprofen or naproxen in the PRECISION trial

AIM

To evaluate GI safety of celecoxib compared with 2 nonselective (ns) NSAIDs, as a secondary objective of a large trial examining multiorgan safety.

METHODS

This randomised, double-blind controlled trial analysed 24 081 patients. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis patients, needing ongoing NSAID treatment, were randomised to receive celecoxib 100-200 mg b.d., ibuprofen 600-800 mg t.d.s. or naproxen 375-500 mg b.d. plus esomeprazole, and low-dose aspirin or corticosteroids if already prescribed. Clinically significant GI events (CSGIE-bleeding, obstruction, perforation events from stomach downwards or symptomatic ulcers) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) were adjudicated blindly.

RESULTS

Mean treatment and follow-up durations were 20.3 and 34.1 months. While on treatment or 30 days after, CSGIE occurred in 0.34%, 0.74% and 0.66% taking celecoxib, ibuprofen and naproxen. Hazard ratios (HR) were 0.43 (95% CI 0.27-0.68, P = 0.0003) celecoxib vs ibuprofen and 0.51 (0.32-0.81, P = 0.004) vs naproxen. There was also less IDA on celecoxib: HR 0.43 (0.27-0.68, P = 0.0003) vs ibuprofen; 0.40 (0.25-0.62, P < 0.0001) vs naproxen. Even taken with low-dose aspirin, fewer CSGIE occurred on celecoxib than ibuprofen (HR 0.52 [0.29-0.94], P = 0.03), and less IDA vs naproxen (0.42 [0.23-0.77, P = 0.005]). Corticosteroid use increased total GI events and CSGIE. H. pylori serological status had no influence.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthritis patients taking NSAIDs plus esomeprazole have infrequent clinically significant gastrointestinal events. Co-prescribed with esomeprazole, celecoxib has better overall GI safety than ibuprofen or naproxen at these doses, despite treatment with low-dose aspirin or corticosteroids.

Phylogeny of dermatophytes with genomic character evaluation of clinically distinct Trichophyton rubrum and T. violaceum

Trichophyton rubrum and T. violaceum are prevalent agents of human dermatophyte infections, the former being found on glabrous skin and nail, while the latter is confined to the scalp. The two species are phenotypically different but are highly similar phylogenetically. The taxonomy of dermatophytes is currently being reconsidered on the basis of molecular phylogeny. Molecular species definitions do not always coincide with existing concepts which are guided by ecological and clinical principles. In this article, we aim to bring phylogenetic and ecological data together in an attempt to develop new species concepts for anthropophilic dermatophytes. Focus is on the T. rubrum complex with analysis of rDNA ITS supplemented with LSU, TUB2, TEF3 and ribosomal protein L10 gene sequences. In order to explore genomic differences between T. rubrum and T. violaceum, one representative for both species was whole genome sequenced. Draft sequences were compared with currently available dermatophyte genomes. Potential virulence factors of adhesins and secreted proteases were predicted and compared phylogenetically. General phylogeny showed clear gaps between geophilic species of Arthroderma, but multilocus distances between species were often very small in the derived anthropophilic and zoophilic genus Trichophyton. Significant genome conservation between T. rubrum and T. violaceum was observed, with a high similarity at the nucleic acid level of 99.38 % identity. Trichophyton violaceum contains more paralogs than T. rubrum. About 30 adhesion genes were predicted among dermatophytes. Seventeen adhesins were common between T. rubrum and T. violaceum, while four were specific for the former and eight for the latter. Phylogenetic analysis of secreted proteases reveals considerable expansion and conservation among the analyzed species. Multilocus phylogeny and genome comparison of T. rubrum and T. violaceum underlined their close affinity. The possibility that they represent a single species exhibiting different phenotypes due to different localizations on the human body is discussed.

A Magnetically Recoverable Fe3O4-NH2-Pd Sorbent for Capture of Mercury from Coal Derived Fuel Gas

A sort of magnetical material named Fe3O4-NH2-Pd was prepared by loading varying amounts of immobilizing Pd on the surface of the magnetic Fe3O4-NH2 microspheres. This magnetical material was used firstly for capturing Hg° from coal derived fuel gas based on its recoverability. The experimental results showed that the loading Pd on the amine-functionalized magnetite nanoparticles can greatly improve the efficiency of removing Hg° at a high temperature range between 200 and 300 °C. The magnetic Fe3O4-NH2-Pd sorbent with 5% Pd loaded exhibited significantly high activity and stability in capturing Hg°, affording over 93% capture efficiency at 200 °C for more than 8 hrs. Compared to the Fe3O4-NH2 sorbent that converted the Hg° as HgS, this Fe3O4-NH2-Pd sorbent can remove the Hg° by forming Pd-Hg amalgam and HgS. In addition, the experimental tests indicated that the as-synthesized Fe3O4-NH2-Pd sorbent still showed stable magnetic properties after two regeneration cycles in removing Hg°, which provided the opportunity for preparing a recyclable sorbent which can be easily separated and recovered for Hg° removal.