Comparison of Data-Dependent Acquisition, Data-Independent Acquisition, and Parallel Reaction Monitoring in Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics

The parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (PASEF) approach based on trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) enables mobility-resolved fragmentation and a higher number of fragments in the same time period compared to conventional MS/MS experiments. Furthermore, the ion mobility dimension offers novel approaches for fragmentation. Using parallel reaction monitoring (prm), the ion mobility dimension allows a more accurate selection of precursor windows, while using data-independent aquisition (dia) spectral quality is improved through ion-mobility filtering. Owing to favorable implementation in proteomics, the transferability of these PASEF modes to lipidomics is of great interest, especially as a result of the high complexity of analytes with similar fragments. However, these novel PASEF modes have not yet been thoroughly evaluated for lipidomics applications. Therefore, data-dependent acquisition (dda)-, dia-, and prm-PASEF were compared using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for phospholipid class separation in human plasma samples. Results show that all three PASEF modes are generally suitable for usage in lipidomics. Although dia-PASEF achieves a high sensitivity in generating MS/MS spectra, the fragment-to-precursor assignment for lipids with both, similar retention time as well as ion mobility, was difficult in HILIC-MS/MS. Therefore, dda-PASEF is the method of choice to investigate unknown samples. However, the best data quality was achieved by prm-PASEF, owing to the focus on fragmentation of specified targets. The high selectivity and sensitivity in generating MS/MS spectra of prm-PASEF could be a potential alternative for targeted lipidomics, e.g., in clinical applications.

Two-color Kerr microscopy of two-dimensional materials with sub-picosecond time resolution

We present a two-color Kerr microscopy system based on two electronically synchronized erbium-fiber laser oscillators with independently tunable emission energies spanning most of the visible spectrum. Combining a spatial resolution below 2 μm and sub-ps time resolution with high sensitivity and cryogenic sample temperatures, it is ideally suited for studying spin and valley dynamics in a wide range of two-dimensional materials. We illustrate its capabilities by studying a monolayer of the common semiconducting transition metal disulfide MoS₂.

Repeated exposure of the oral mucosa over 12 months with cold plasma is not carcinogenic in mice

Peri-implantitis may result in the loss of dental implants. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) was suggested to promote re-osseointegration, decrease antimicrobial burden, and support wound healing. However, the long-term risk assessment of CAP treatment in the oral cavity has not been addressed. Treatment with two different CAP devices was compared against UV radiation, carcinogen administration, and untreated conditions over 12 months. Histological analysis of 406 animals revealed that repeated CAP exposure did not foster non-invasive lesions or squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). Carcinogen administration promoted non-invasive lesions and SCCs. Molecular analysis by a qPCR screening of 144 transcripts revealed distinct inflammatory profiles associated with each treatment regimen. Interestingly, CAP treatment of carcinogen-challenged mucosa did not promote but instead left unchanged or reduced the proportion of non-invasive lesions and SCC formation. In conclusion, repeated CAP exposure of murine oral mucosa was well tolerated, and carcinogenic effects did not occur, motivating CAP applications in patients for dental and implant treatments in the future.

AB0556 COMPARING EFFICACY OF GUSELKUMAB VERSUS USTEKINUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS ARTHRITIS: AN ADJUSTED COMPARISON USING INDIVIDUAL PATIENT DATA FROM DISCOVER 1&2 AND PSUMMIT TRIALS

Background:

Guselkumab is an anti-interleukin (IL)-23 monoclonal antibody recently approved for a treatment of Psoriasis arthritis (PsA). In two large Phase III trials of patients with PsA (DISCOVER -1 & -2) guselkumab has shown to be superior versus placebo. In this indication no direct comparison is available between guselkumab and ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-12 and IL-23. Indirect comparisons based on relative treatment effects versus a common comparator (placebo) only allow for analyses up to week 24 due to cross-over to active arms in available PsA trials.

Objectives:

To compare indirectly joint and skin efficacy of guselkumab versus ustekinumab up to week 52, using pooled patient-level trial data from DISCOVER 1&2 and PSUMMIT 1&2, adjusting for cross-trial population differences.

Methods:

Patient level data, including baseline characteristics and outcome data on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) response from the guselkumab arms of DISCOVER -1 & -2 were pooled with the data from the ustekinumab trials PSUMMIT -1&-2. Analyses were performed for bio-naïve and bio-experienced populations separately. Differences in patient characteristics across trial populations were adjusted for using multivariate logistic regression, including: gender, age, body mass index, previous TNF use, disease duration, PASI level, number of swollen and tender joints. This method of indirect comparisons allows for analysis of comparative efficacy beyond controlled induction period and odds ratios’ resulting from this model were translated into predicted response rates for ustekinumab, assuming same patient population, as enrolled in the guselkumab trial arms.

Results:

Majority of baseline characteristics for patients on guselkumab (100mg q8w; 100mg q4w) were comparable to patients on ustekinumab 45/90mg, in both in bio-naïve and bio-experienced group of patients. The probability of reaching a ACR 20 in both the bio-naïve & bio-experienced population was significantly higher for guselkumab vs ustekinumab at weeks 52 for both dosing regimens of guselkumab (bio-naïve ACR 20: q8w OR= 1.88 [1.28;2.76]), q4w (OR= 1.92 [1.29;2.86]; bio experienced ACR20 q8w OR= 2.72[1.17;6.31], q4w OR=4.77 [1.95;11.63]). Similarly guselkumab was superior over ustekinumab on PASI 90 outcome at week 52 in both bio-naïve & bio-experienced patients with BSA ≥3 % at baseline (bio-naïve: q8w OR= 2.59 [1.68;3.99]), q4w OR= 3.19 [2.03;5.00], and bio-experienced q8w OR= 3.96[1.39,11.27], q4w OR=13.10[4.18,41.04]). Figure 1 represents unadjusted pooled DISCOVER 1&2 trial results and estimated proportions of ustekinumab treated patient group achieving ACR 20 in bio-naïve patient group up to week 52 using the method described above.

Conclusion:

An adjusted comparison using patient level data from pivotal Phase III studies demonstrates both dosages of guselkumab to be significantly more effective versus ustekinumab in both skin and joint outcomes in both bio-naïve & bio experienced patients up to week 52.

Disclosure of Interests:

Joris Diels Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Pushpike Thilakarathne Employee of: Janssen, Agata Schubert Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Fareen Hassan Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Steve Peterson Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen, Wim Noel Shareholder of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen.

A Review of the Toxicity and Phytochemistry of Medicinal Plant Species Used by Herbalists in Treating People Living With HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Introduction: Despite concerns about toxicity, potentially harmful effects and herb-drug interactions, the use of herbal medicines remains widely practiced by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Uganda. Objective: The objective of the paper was to comprehensively review the literature on the toxicity and chemical composition of commonly used medicinal plant species in treating PLHIV in Uganda. Methods: We reviewed relevant articles and books published over the last sixty years on ethnobotany, antiviral/anti-HIV activity, toxicity, phytochemistry of Vachellia hockii, Albizia coriaria, Bridelia micrantha, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Erythrina abyssinica, Gardenia ternifolia, Gymnosporia senegalensis, Psorospermum febrifugium, Securidaca longipendunculata, Warburgia ugandensis and Zanthoxylum chalybeum and their synonyms. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Discussion: Most of the plant species reviewed apart from P. febrifugium, S. longipedunculata and C. sanguinolenta lacked detailed phytochemical analyses as well as the quantification and characterization of their constituents. Crude plant extracts were the most commonly used. However, purified/single component extracts from different plant parts were also used in some studies. The U87 human glioblastoma was the most commonly used cell line. Water, ethanol, methanol and DMSO were the commonest solvents used. In some instances, isolated purified compounds/extracts such as Cryptolepine and Psorospermin were used. Conclusion: Cytotoxicity varied with cell type, solvent and extract type used making it difficult for direct comparison of the plant species. Five of the eleven plant species namely, A. coriaria, C. sanguinolenta, G. ternifolia, P. febrifugium and Z. chalybeum had no cytotoxicity studies in animal models. For the remaining six plant species, the crude aqueous and ethanol extracts were mainly used in acute oral toxicity studies in mice. Herbalists reported only A. coriaria and W. ugandensis to cause toxic side effects in humans. However, selective cytotoxic plant extracts can potentially be beneficial as anticancer or anti-tumour drugs.

AB0818 SKIN INVOLVEMENT IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PsA) - THE INCREMENTAL IMPACT OF PSORIASIS ON QUALITY OF LIFE, DISABILITY AND WORK PRODUCTIVITY: REAL-WORLD SURVEY IN US AND EUROPE

Background:

PsA involves joint and skin symptom presentation that varies across patients. Differences in patients outcomes with joint only, and joint and skin involvement have not been extensively studied in a real-world setting.

Objectives:

To assess prevalence of joint only, and joint and skin disease in a real-world clinical setting, and to assess incremental impact of skin symptoms on quality of life (QoL), disability and work productivity.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey in patients with PsA recruited by rheumatologists and dermatologists was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and US. Data were collected Jun-Aug 2018 via physician-completed patient record forms and patient self-completed forms. Patients were compared by joint and skin involvement using parametric and non-parametric tests. Multiple linear regression analyses examined impact of incremental body surface area (BSA) on patient reported outcomes (PROs). Models controlled for gender, age, time since diagnosis, employment status, biologic DMARD use, BMI, number of joints affected.

Results:

Of 1,909 patients (539 US, 1,370 EU), 35% of patients had joint only disease, while 26%, 23%, and 16% experienced joint disease plus 1-3%, >3-10%, and >10% BSA respectively (Figure 1). Patients were comparable demographically (Table 1). After controlling for demographics and number of joints involved, results showed BSA independently and significantly impacted QoL, work productivity, disability (Table 2).

Table 1.

Comparison of patient demographic and disease characteristics by joint and skin disease involvement

Joints only (n=673)1-3% (n=493)>3-10% (n=447)>10%(n=296)p-valueAge, mean (SD)49.2 (13.7)49.2 (13.2)47.6 (12.4)47.6 (13.8)0.09Male, n (%)379 (56.3)260 (52.7)248 (55.5)155 (52.4)0.53BMI, mean (SD)26.9 (4.9)26.8 (4.6)26.7 (4.2)26.5 (4.7)0.52Caucasian, n (%)621 (92.3)442 (89.7)399 (89.3)270 (91.2)0.41Full-time employment, n (%)391 (60.9)275 (57.7)259 (59.1)153 (53.1)0.01Biologic tx, n (%)420 (62.4)283 (57.4)218 (48.8)141 (47.6)<0.01Months since diagnosis, mean (SD)68.4 (76.2)56.7 (68.2)54.2 (67.3)52.1 (75.1)<0.01Current BSA %, mean (SD)0.01.7 (0.8)6.3 (2.0)21.3 (10.1)<0.01*66 swollen joint count, mean (SD)1.5 (3.6)2.1 (4.2)7.1 (11.1)6.9 (10.5)<0.01*68 tender joint count, mean (SD)2.1 (4.1)3.7 (6.4)6.0 (7.7)9.8 (10.0)<0.01

*Calculated on available data, n=394

Table 2.

Incremental impact of BSA on PROs

BSA in addition to joint involvementChange in predicted PRO valuesP valueEQ5D utility (n=656)Joint only (ref)0.851-3%-0.020.31>3-10%-0.06<0.01>10%-0.06<0.01EQ5D VAS (n=668)Joint only78.140.741-3%-0.580.03>3-10%-3.780.14>10%-3.04WPAI % overall work impairment (n=369)Joint only15.880.911-3%+0.32<0.05>3-10%+5.110.01>10%+7.51HAQ-DI (n=635)Joint only0.320.411-3%+0.04<0.01>3-10%+0.22<0.01>10%+0.27PsAID12 (n=642)Joint only1.660.031-3%+0.42<0.01>3-10%+1.22<0.01>10%+1.37

α PRO key for worse outcome (range): EQ5D utility (0-1.0) = lower; EQ5D VAS (1-100) = lower; WPAI (0-100) = higher; HAQ-DI (0-3) = higher; PsAID12 (0-10) = higher

Conclusion:

Two thirds of this sample of actively treated PsA patients have skin involvement. Over half would be considered moderate-severe (BSA >3%). After controlling for joint symptoms, results show that increasing skin involvement in PsA patients adversely impacts QoL, disability and work productivity.

Disclosure of Interests:

Jessica A. Walsh Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Pfizer, Janssen, Consultant of: AbbVie, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Company, UCB, Alexis Ogdie Grant/research support from: Pfizer to Penn, Novartis to Penn, Amgen to Forward/NDB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Corrona, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Kaleb Michaud Grant/research support from: Janssen, Steve Peterson Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Elizabeth Holdsworth Employee of: Adelphi Real World, Sara Bruce Wirta Employee of: Janssen-Cilag Sweden AB, Sophie Meakin Employee of: Adelphi Real World, Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Agata Schubert Employee of: Janssen-Cilag, Laure Gossec Grant/research support from: Lilly, Mylan, Pfizer, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celgene, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sanofi-Aventis, UCB

AB0820 COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF GUSELKUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

Background:

The efficacy of the interleukin (IL)-23 subunit p19 inhibitor guselkumab (GUS) for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has recently been demonstrated in two Phase 3 trials (DISCOVER-1 & -2) but has not been evaluated versus existing targeted therapies for PsA.

Objectives:

To compare GUS to targeted therapies for PsA through network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods:

A systematic literature review was performed to identify PsA randomized controlled trials from 2000 to 2018. Bayesian NMAs were performed to compare treatments on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20/50/70 response, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75/90/100 response, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score, resolution of enthesitis (RoE), resolution of dactylitis (RoD), adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Analyses used random effects models that adjusted for placebo response via meta-regression on baseline risk when feasible. Results are summarized by ranking treatments according to median absolute probabilities of response derived from NMAs.

Results:

Twenty-six Phase 3 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. Studies were placebo-controlled up to 24 weeks and evaluated 13 targeted therapies for PsA. Absolute probabilities are reported for PASI 90 & ACR 20 responses according toFigure 1,and a forest plot of relative risks versus placebo for AEs is reported according toFigure 2. For ACR 20 response, GUS 100 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) and every 8 weeks (Q8W) ranked 5th and 8th out of 20 interventions and were comparable to IL-17A inhibitor (IL-17Ai) and most tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) agents. Similar findings were observed for ACR 50 and 70 responses. For PASI 90 response, GUS Q4W and Q8W ranked 1st and 2nd out of 15 interventions and were highly likely to provide a greater benefit than most other agents. Similar findings were observed for PASI 75 and 100 responses. For HAQ-DI score, GUS Q4W and Q8W ranked 6th and 10th out of 20 interventions and were comparable to IL-17Ai and most TNFi agents. For RoE, GUS Q4W and Q8W ranked 8th and 6th out of 13 interventions and were comparable to IL-17Ai and TNFi agents. For RoD, GUS Q4W and Q8W ranked 8th and 9th out of 13 interventions and were comparable to most IL-17Ai and TNFi agents. For AEs, GUS Q4W and Q8W ranked 3rd and 2nd out of 19 interventions and were comparable to IL-17Ai and TNFi agents. Likewise, for SAEs, GUS Q4W and Q8W ranked 4th and 5th out of 20 interventions and were comparable to IL-17Ai and TNFi agents. Analyses that controlled for previous exposure to biologics or assessed outcomes at alternative timepoints were broadly consistent with primary analysis results.

Conclusion:

NMA results indicate that GUS is comparable to most targeted PsA treatments for improvement in arthritis, soft tissue damage, physical function, and safety outcomes. For PASI outcomes, GUS is highly likely to provide a greater benefit than other targeted PsA treatments.

Disclosure of Interests:

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, 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, Kiefer Eaton Shareholder of: Test Pharma, Consultant of: Janssen, Agata Schubert Employee of: Janssen-Cilag, Steve Peterson Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Tim Disher Consultant of: Janssen, Wim Noel Employee of: Janssen Pharmaceuticals NV, Hassan Fareen Employee of: Janssen, Chetan Karyekar Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Consultant of: Janssen, Employee of: Janssen Global Services, LLC. Previously, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Abbott Labs., Suzy Van Sanden Employee of: Janssen, Christopher T. Ritchlin Grant/research support from: UCB Pharma, AbbVie, Amgen, Consultant of: UCB Pharma, Amgen, AbbVie, Lilly, Pfizer, Novartis, Gilead, Janssen, Wolf-Henning Boehncke Grant/research support from: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Consultant of: Janssen

FRI0358 USAGE OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN TESTING IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS (PSA): RESULTS FROM A REAL-WORLD SURVEY IN THE US AND EUROPE

Background:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important non-specific marker of both acute and chronic inflammation and can be elevated in patients with PsA. The role of CRP in the management of PsA is unclear.

Objectives:

To describe how CRP testing is implemented in real-world clinical practice for disease management of PsA.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study among patients with PsA recruited by rheumatologists and dermatologists was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and US. Data were collected from Jun-Aug 2018 via physician-completed patient record forms. Use of CRP testing was obtained by asking the physician to state (yes/no) whether CRP was used to aid PsA diagnosis, confirm the patient’s PsA and to monitor the patient’s PsA. Where physicians stated use of CRP testing, they were then asked to provide the number of CRP tests conducted in the last 12 months.

Results:

Data were collected for 2270 patients with PsA (595 US, 1675 EU5). In EU5, 78.7% of patients had CRP conducted to aid diagnosis (vs 43.4% in US) and 72.0% had CRP conducted to monitor their condition (vs 34.6% in US). Patients seen by rheumatologists (vs dermatologists) were at least 50% more likely to have CRP used for monitoring purposes, this difference being most pronounced in the US. In EU5, CRP was conducted a mean [SD] of 2.7 [1.7] times in the last 12 months, versus 2.0 [1.4] in the US. Country level usage of CRP testing is shown in Table 2.

Table 2.

Purpose and frequency of CRP testing

CRP conducted…EU5 (n=1675)France (n=277)Germany (n=360)Italy (n=360)Spain (n=369)UK(n=309)US(n=595)To aid diagnosis, n (%)1319 (78.7)233 (84.1)282 (78.3)283 (78.6)315 (85.4)206 (66.7)258 (43.4)To confirm PsA, n (%)692 (41.3)83 (30.0)156 (43.3)151 (41.9)179 (48.5)123 (39.8)110 (18.5)To monitor PsA, n (%) [n]1190 (72.0)[1652]209 (75.7) [276]261 (74.1) [352]256 (72.9) [351]283 (77.1) [367]181 (59.2) [306]203 (34.6) [586]Patients with ≥1 CRP in last 12 months, n (%)1355 (80.9)238 (85.9)291 (80.8)304 (84.4)319 (86.4)203 (65.7)255 (42.9)Number conducted in last 12months, mean [SD]2.7 [1.7]3.1 [2.5]2.4 [1.7]2.5 [1.3]2.6 [1.2]2.9 [2.0]2.0 [1.4]Table 1.

Patient demographic and clinical characteristics

Overall (n=2270)EU5(n=1675)US(n=595)Patient seen by rheumatologist, n (%)1130 (49.8)834 (49.8)296 (49.7)Age, mean [SD]46.6 [13.3]48.1 [13.1]50.0 [13.5]Female, n (%)1047 (46.1)774 (46.2)273 (45.9)BMI, mean [SD]26.8 [4.7]26.3 [4.3]28.1 [5.5]Caucasian, n (%)2051 (90.4)1551 (92.6)500 (84.0)Current smoker, n (%)403 (20.3)352 (24.3)51 (9.5)Employment, n (%)-Working full-time1271 (58.2)894 (55.6)377 (65.3)Current disease severity, n (%)-Mild1702 (75.0)1253 (74.8)449 (75.5)-Moderate/Severe568 (25.0)422 (25.2)146 (24.5)Current treatment, n (%)-Receiving bDMARD*1231 (54.2)910 (54.3)321 (53.9)-Receiving tsDMARD*251 (11.1)121 (7.2)130 (21.8)-Receiving csDMARD*835 (36.8)698 (41.7)137 (23.0)-Receiving opioid55 (2.4)29 (1.7)26 (4.4)Total number of HCP visits in last 12months, mean [SD]6.5 [5.8]7.0 [6.3]5.0 [3.6]

*bDMARD: biologic DMARD, tsDMARD: targeted synthetic DMARD, csDMARD: conventional synthetic DMARD

Conclusion:

The majority (80.9%) of patients with PsA in EU5 had at least one CRP test in the last 12 months, versus 42.9% in the US. CRP is more commonly used for diagnosis and monitoring of PsA in Europe compared to the US and is more commonly ordered by rheumatologists than dermatologists.

Disclosure of Interests:

Alexis Ogdie Grant/research support from: Pfizer to Penn, Novartis to Penn, Amgen to Forward/NDB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Corrona, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, William Tillett Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Lihi Eder Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Lily, Janssen, Amgen, Novartis, Consultant of: Janssen, Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Lily, Janssen, Amgen, Novartis, Nicola Booth Consultant of: Janssen, Sara Bruce Wirta Employee of: Janssen-Cilag Sweden AB, Oliver Howell Employee of: Janssen, Agata Schubert Employee of: Janssen-Cilag, Steve Peterson Employee of: Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Soumya D Chakravarty Shareholder of: Johnson & Johnson, Employee of: Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Laura C Coates: None declared

Adjusted treatment COMPArisons between guSelkumab and uStekinumab for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: the COMPASS analysis

Background

Guselkumab is an interleukin‐23 inhibitor indicated for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Guselkumab has demonstrated additional benefit in patients with early inadequate response to ustekinumab. Long‐term efficacy comparisons of guselkumab and ustekinumab are currently lacking among ustekinumab‐naive patients.

Objectives

To assess the relative efficacy of guselkumab and ustekinumab for maintenance therapy of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, using individual patient data (IPD) from randomized controlled trials.

Methods

IPD for guselkumab from the VOYAGE 1 and 2 trials were pooled and compared with IPD for ustekinumab from the NAVIGATE trial. Multivariable logistic regression analyses compared guselkumab 100 mg and ustekinumab 45 mg or 90 mg for the achievement and maintenance of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90, 75 and 100 responses up to 40 weeks. The regression models accounted for a range of clinically relevant covariates (e.g. age, sex, psoriasis duration). Relative efficacy was expressed using odds ratios (ORs) and predicted probability of treatment response associated with each intervention.

Results

Patients receiving guselkumab had significantly higher probabilities of achieving a PASI 90 response than patients receiving ustekinumab, at both week 16 [70·4% vs. 46·0%, OR 2·79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·22–3·45] and week 40 (74·2% vs. 54·5%, OR 2·40, 95% CI 1·89–3·13]. Guselkumab was also associated with a significantly increased likelihood of achieving both PASI 75 and PASI 100 responses at weeks 16 and 40, compared with ustekinumab.

Conclusions

Adjusted analyses leveraging IPD demonstrate that guselkumab has a significantly higher probability of achieving and maintaining PASI treatment responses through week 40 than ustekinumab does.

Linked Comment: Yiu. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:202–203.

What's already known about this topic?

The NAVIGATE trial demonstrated improved treatment responses in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis who switched to guselkumab after inadequate responses to ustekinumab induction therapy.

What does this study add?

To date, no head‐to‐head randomized controlled trials have compared ustekinumab and guselkumab in a combination of biologic‐naive and biologic‐experienced patients.

The present study leveraged individual patient data from randomized controlled trials to compare guselkumab and ustekinumab maintenance therapy indirectly in a combination of biologic‐naive and biologic‐experienced patients.

Linked Comment: Yiu. Br J Dermatol 2020; 183:202–203.

Plain language summary available online

Indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by herbalists in treating opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Currently, more than two thirds of the world's 36.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS reside in Sub-Saharan Africa. Opportunistic infections (OI) associated with HIV are the single most important cause of mortality and morbidity among HIV/AIDS patients in poor countries. There is widespread use of medicinal plant species to manage the HIV infection and it's associated OI in Uganda, even by patients already on antiretroviral drugs (ARV). However, much of this information remains undocumented and unverified.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this study was to systematically and comprehensively document the traditional indigenous knowledge and practices associated with the management of HIV/AIDS infections by herbalists in Uganda.

METHODS

Ethnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Ninety traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) or herbalists were interviewed in Arua, Dokolo, Mbale, Bushenyi, Iganga, Rakai, Luwero and Kaabong districts to gather information on the plant species used. Data were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics and the Informant Consensus Factor.

RESULTS

We documented 236 medicinal plant species from 70 families and 201 genera. Acacia was the most widely represented genus with five species. The most frequently used medicinal plant species for treating various OI were Erythrina abyssinica (45), Warburgia ugandensis (43), Zanthoxylum chalybeum (38), Acacia hockii (37), Mangifera indica (36), Aloe vera (35), Albizia coriaria (34), Azadirachta indica (32), Psorospermum febrifugum (27) Vernonia amygdalina (22) and Gymnosporia senegalensis (21). Some of the plant species were used for treating all the OI mentioned. There is a high degree of consensus among the TMP on which plant species they use for the different OI, even though they are geographically separated. Herbalists contribute to the widespread practice of simultaneously using herbal medicines and ARV. Some TMP are also engaged in dangerous practices like injecting patients with herbs and encouraging simultaneous use of herbs and ARV. Although the TMP relied on biomedical laboratory diagnoses for confirming the patients' HIV sero status, they were familiar with the signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS.

CONCLUSION

There is wide spread use of a rich diversity of medicinal plants species and practices by TMP to manage OI in HIV/AIDS patients in Uganda.

Guselkumab for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis During Induction Phase: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background:

Guselkumab is an interleukin-23 inhibitor indicated for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Objective:

The objective was to determine the relative efficacy and safety of guselkumab compared to other biologics.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMAs) were conducted using meta-regression analyses that adjusted for cross-trial differences and risk differences. The primary outcome was Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 90 response. Other efficacy and safety outcomes were considered. Several meta-regressions were performed to account for variations in patient and study characteristics: baseline risk adjustment (ie, control group response), prior biologic use, duration of psoriasis, weight, age, race, and baseline PASI/dermatology life quality index scores. The best-fitting model using predefined criteria was selected.

Results:

Forty-five RCTs were identified. Patient and study characteristics differed between RCTs as reflected in variations in control group response. Both the baseline risk-adjusted NMA and the risk-difference NMA fit the data best and suggested guselkumab has one of the highest PASI 90 responses. Pairwise comparisons from the baseline risk-adjusted PASI 90 NMA suggested guselkumab has comparable efficacy with ixekizumab (relative risk [RR]: 0.999, 95% credible intervals [CrIs]: 0.89-1.13) and brodalumab (RR: 1.04, 95% CrIs: 0.91-1.17) and superior efficacy versus all other treatments in the network (RR range, 1.20 to 43.22). Guselkumab was superior or comparable to other therapies for other efficacy outcomes and had a more favorable safety profile than most.

Conclusions:

Guselkumab has one of the highest PASI 90 responses among psoriasis treatments; similar findings were observed for other efficacy outcomes. Guselkumab has a favorable benefit–risk balance compared to moderate-to-severe psoriasis therapies.

Semen inhibits Zika virus infection of cells and tissues from the anogenital region

Zika virus (ZIKV) causes severe birth defects and can be transmitted via sexual intercourse. Semen from ZIKV-infected individuals contains high viral loads and may therefore serve as an important vector for virus transmission. Here we analyze the effect of semen on ZIKV infection of cells and tissues derived from the anogenital region. ZIKV replicates in all analyzed cell lines, primary cells, and endometrial or vaginal tissues. However, in the presence of semen, infection by ZIKV and other flaviviruses is potently inhibited. We show that semen prevents ZIKV attachment to target cells, and that an extracellular vesicle preparation from semen is responsible for this anti-ZIKV activity. Our findings suggest that ZIKV transmission is limited by semen. As such, semen appears to serve as a protector against sexual ZIKV transmission, despite the availability of highly susceptible cells in the anogenital tract and high viral loads in this bodily fluid.

Development of a high-throughput colorimetric Zika virus infection assay

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen that causes congenital infections which may result in birth defects, such as microcephaly. Currently, no approved treatment or vaccination is available. ZIKV can be readily detected in cell culture where virally infected cells are normally stained by specific antibodies. As ZIKV regularly causes a cytopathic effect, we were wondering whether this viral property can be used to quantitatively determine viral infectivity. We here describe the use of an 3-[4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide-(MTT)-based cell viability assay that allows to determine ZIKV-induced cell death. We show that this colorimetric assay quantifies ZIKV infection over a broad range of viral dilutions in both monkey and human cells. It allows to determine inhibitory activities of antivirals that block ZIKV or to define the neutralizing antibody titers of ZIKV antisera. This MTT-based ZIKV detection assay can be evaluated by naked eye or computational tools, has a broad linear range, does not require large equipment or costly reagents, and thus represents a promising alternative to antibody-based assays, in particular in resource-poor settings. We propose to use this simple, fast, and cheap method for quantification of ZIKV neutralizing antibodies and testing of antiviral compounds.

Publication productivity: from frequency distributions to scientometric indicators

A new approach to scientometric indicators which is based on frequency distribution characteristics is presented. The pub lication productivity of ten major OECD countries during the 1981-1985 period is studied. A stochastic "cumulative ad vantage" process having a Waring-type stationary limit distri bution is assumed to underlie the publication process. This model makes it possible to estimate such indicators as the "Publication Potential" and the "Cumulative Advantage Coef ficient" which indicate the number of potential and of factual authors and the effect of the "success-breeds-success" phenom enon, respectively. A discussion of the publication behaviour of the scientific elite based on indicators of the distribution tail concludes the comparative evaluation.

Novel imidazolium salt--peptide conjugates and their antimicrobial activity

Our study presents innovative research dealing with the synthesis and biological evaluation of conjugates out of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and imidazolium cations that are derived from ionic liquids. AMPs are considered as promising alternatives to common antibiotics due to their different activity mechanisms. Antibacterial effects have also been described for ionic liquids bearing imidazolium cations . Besides single coupling of carboxy-functionalized imidazolium cations to the peptide N-terminal we also developed conjugates bearing multiple copies of imidazolium cations. The combination of both compounds resulted in synergistic effects that were most pronounced when more imidazolium cations were attached to the peptides. In addition, antibacterial activity even in drug-resistant bacterial strains could be observed. Moreover, the novel compounds showed good selectivity only against bacterial cells, an observation that was further proven by lipid interaction studies using giant unilamellar vesicles.

An apparatus to manipulate and identify individual Ba ions from bulk liquid Xe

We describe a system to transport and identify barium ions produced in liquid xenon, as part of R&D towards the second phase of a double beta decay experiment, nEXO. The goal is to identify the Ba ion resulting from an extremely rare nuclear decay of the isotope (136)Xe, hence providing a confirmation of the occurrence of the decay. This is achieved through Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RIS). In the test setup described here, Ba ions can be produced in liquid xenon or vacuum and collected on a clean substrate. This substrate is then removed to an analysis chamber under vacuum, where laser-induced thermal desorption and RIS are used with time-of-flight mass spectroscopy for positive identification of the barium decay product.

Mikrobiologische Hydroxylierungen von Steroiden

Mit Hilfe des Schimmelpilzes Calonectria decora werden Progesteron-Derivate mit Sauerstoff-Funktionen an C9, C11, C12, C14, C17 und C21 stereospezifisch in 12β- oder 15α-Stellung hydroxyliert. Aus diesen Umsetzungen wurden folgende Verbindungen erhalten: 9α,15α-Dihydroxyprogesteron, 14α,12/β-Dihydroxyprogesteron, 15α,17x.21-Trihydroxyprogesteron, 11-Keto-15α-Hydroxyprogesteron, 12-Keto-15α-Hydroxyprogesteron.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase genes in clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 isolates associated with different resistance phenotypes

The role of mutations in the thymidine kinase (TK, UL23) and DNA polymerase (pol, UL30) genes of herpes simplex virus (HSV) for development of different resistance phenotypes has to be exactly determined before genotypic resistance testing can be implemented in patient's care. Furthermore, the occurrence of cross-resistance is of utmost clinical importance. In this study, clinical HSV-1 isolates obtained between 2004 and 2011 from 26 patients after stem cell transplantation were examined in parallel by phenotypic and genotypic resistance testing. Thirteen isolates, which were phenotypically cross-resistant to acyclovir (ACV), penciclovir (PCV) and brivudin (BVDU), exhibited consistently frameshift or non-synonymous mutations in the TK gene known to confer resistance. One of these mutations (insertion of C at the nucleotide positions 1061-1065) has not been described before. Seven strains, phenotypically resistant to ACV and PCV and, except one each, sensitive to BVDU and resistant to foscarnet (FOS), carried uniformly resistance-related substitutions in the DNA pol gene. Finally, 3 isolates, resistant to ACV, PCV and 2 out of these also resistant to BVDU, had known but also unclear substitutions in the TK and DNA pol genes, and 3 isolates were completely sensitive. In conclusion, clinical ACV-resistant HSV-1 isolates, carrying resistance-associated mutations in the TK gene, can be regarded as cross-resistant to other nucleoside analogs such as BVDU. In contrast, clinical FOS-resistant HSV-1 strains which are cross-resistant to ACV may be sensitive to BVDU. This has to be considered for drug changes in antiviral treatment in case of ACV resistance.

Fast selection of maribavir resistant cytomegalovirus in a bone marrow transplant recipient

BACKGROUND

Human cytomegalovirus infections are still significant causes of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. The use of antiviral agents is limited by toxicity and evolving resistance in immunocompromised patients with ongoing viral replication during therapy. Here, we present the first documented case of genotypic resistance against maribavir in a bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipient.

CASE PRESENTATION

The female 13-year-old patient was suffering from a refractory cytopenia. Ganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir, leflunomide and maribavir, an inhibitor of the cytomegalovirus UL97 protein, were administered to treat a therapy-resistant cytomegalovirus infection. Viral mutations conferring resistance against nucleotide and pyrophosphate analogs as well as maribavir (MBV) have evolved sequentially. Particularly, impressive was the fast emergence of multiple mutations T409M, H411Y and H411N conferring maribavir resistance after less than 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

We describe the fast emergence of cytomegalovirus variants with different maribavir resistance associated mutations in a bone marrow transplant recipient treated with MBV 400 mg p.o. twice per day. The results suggest that a high virus load permitted a selection of several but distinct therapy-resistant HCMV mutants. Since a phase II study with MBV is intended for the treatment of resistant or refractory HCMV infections in transplant recipients this has to be kept in mind in patients with high viral loads during therapy (NCT01611974).

A cluster of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men in Berlin, October 2012 to May 2013

Between October 2012 and May 2013, five cases of invasive meningococcal disease in young men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Berlin were notified to local health authorities in Germany. Three of the five cases died. All were caused by serogroup C variants with the finetype P1.5-1,10-8:F3-6. Awareness was increased through the use of community networks; an extension of the existing vaccination recommendation to all MSM is currently being considered.

Late HBsAg seroreversion of mutated hepatitis B virus after bone marrow transplantation

BACKGROUND

About ninety percent of immunocompetent adults recover from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection within 6 months after transmission. The infection is considered to be terminated if the antibodies (HBsAb) to the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) become detectable and the HBsAg and Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA,) are no longer perceptible. After recovery from an acute infection, the detection of HBsAb is assumed to indicate lifelong immunity. However, after initiation of severe immunosuppression, HBV reactivation, as detected by HBsAg seroreversion may be observed in patients with previously resolved HBV infections.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present an unusual case of a 64-year-old Caucasian woman showing clinically apparent HBV seroreversion more than 45 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Despite living without immunosuppressive agents for more than 40 months, she developed a fulminant HBV infection with detection of a mutated hepatitis B virus carrying two immune escape mutations (D144E/G145R) in the HBsAg (HBsIE mutation).

CONCLUSION

After HSCT, the absence of risk factors such as strong immunosuppression and graft-versus-host disease decreases the risk of HBV seroreversion but may rearward seroreversion to a later time. Therefore, when monitoring HSCT, patients with serological markers of a resolved HBV infection [HBcAb + (hepatitis B core antibody), HBsAb+, and HBsAg-], the follow up has to be extended over several years to exclude HBV reactivation with HBsAg seroreversion. Furthermore, this case demonstrates the complexity of virus evolution after HBsAg seroreversion as a result of immunosuppression after HSCT.

Success and failure of dead-time models as applied to hybrid pixel detectors in high-flux applications

The performance of a single-photon-counting hybrid pixel detector has been investigated at the Australian Synchrotron. Results are compared with the body of accepted analytical models previously validated with other detectors. Detector functionals are valuable for empirical calibration. It is shown that the matching of the detector dead-time with the temporal synchrotron source structure leads to substantial improvements in count rate and linearity of response. Standard implementations are linear up to ∼0.36 MHz pixel(-1); the optimized linearity in this configuration has an extended range up to ∼0.71 MHz pixel(-1); these are further correctable with a transfer function to ∼1.77 MHz pixel(-1). This new approach has wide application both in high-accuracy fundamental experiments and in standard crystallographic X-ray fluorescence and other X-ray measurements. The explicit use of data variance (rather than N(1/2) noise) and direct measures of goodness-of-fit (χ(r)(2)) are introduced, raising issues not encountered in previous literature for any detector, and suggesting that these inadequacies of models may apply to most detector types. Specifically, parametrization of models with non-physical values can lead to remarkable agreement for a range of count-rate, pulse-frequency and temporal structure. However, especially when the dead-time is near resonant with the temporal structure, limitations of these classical models become apparent. Further, a lack of agreement at extreme count rates was evident.

Micrometre resolution of a charge integrating microstrip detector with single photon sensitivity

A synchrotron beam has been used to test the spatial resolution of a single-photon-resolving integrating readout-chip coupled to a 320 µm-thick silicon strip sensor with a dedicated readout system. Charge interpolation methods have yielded a spatial resolution of σ(x) ≃ 1.8 µm for a 20 µm-pitch strip.