Heterogeneity in GFP expression in isogenic populations of P. putida KT2440 investigated using flow cytometry and bacterial microarrays

Fluorescence intensities were determined using both flow cytometry and bacterial microarrays for Pseudomonas putida expressing GFP upon addition of an inducer. Fluorescence micrographs revealed static inter-cell differences in fluorescence emission.

Efficacy of Canakinumab vs. triamcinolone acetonide according to multiple gouty arthritis-related health outcomes measures

AIM

Canakinumab (CAN), a selective, fully human, anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated long-term benefits in gouty arthritis (GA) patients, who have contraindications for, or are unresponsive or intolerant of, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or colchicine (two trials:β-RELIEVED [n = 228]; β-RELIEVED II [n = 226]). The trials collected different responses, including patient-reported outcomes (PRO). A composite response end-point (CRE) was used to interpret each patient's overall response to treatment.

METHODS

Data from β-RELIEVED trials were pooled for this retrospective analysis. The CRE representing overall change in GA-related health outcomes, from baseline to 12 weeks, included clinical markers; PROs from the Gout Impact Scale (GIS); and the SF-36 bodily pain scale. Response to each variable (i.e. markedly important difference) was determined a priori. Variable values [1 (responder) or 0 (non-responder)] were summed to create a CRE score for each patient.

RESULTS

For eight of 12 variables measured, the percentage of CAN responders was significantly greater than for TA (p < 0.05). On average, patients receiving CAN met a higher percentage of response criteria (65%) than patients receiving triamcinolone acetonide (TA) (49%), p < 0.001. Mean CRE scores were significantly higher for CAN vs. TA (mean [SD]; 4.7 [2.7] vs. 3.7 [2.4], p < 0.001). Treatment differences remained even after serially removing individual responder variables and domains from the composite end-point, indicating that the differences between CAN and TA were robust.

CONCLUSION

CAN was superior to TA across multiple health-outcome variables comprising clinical markers and PRO over 12 weeks in patients contraindicated, intolerant or unresponsive to NSAIDs and/or colchicine.