Accurate prediction of solvent flux in sub-1-nm slit-pore nanosheet membranes

Nanosheet-based membranes have shown enormous potential for energy-efficient molecular transport and separation applications, but designing these membranes for specific separations remains a great challenge due to the lack of good understanding of fluid transport mechanisms in complex nanochannels. We synthesized reduced MXene/graphene hetero-channel membranes with sub-1-nm pores for experimental measurements and theoretical modeling of their structures and fluid transport rates. Our experiments showed that upon complete rejection of salt and organic dyes, these membranes with subnanometer channels exhibit remarkably high solvent fluxes, and their solvent transport behavior is very different from their homo-structured counterparts. We proposed a subcontinuum flow model that enables accurate prediction of solvent flux in sub-1-nm slit-pore membranes by building a direct relationship between the solvent molecule-channel wall interaction and flux from the confined physical properties of a liquid and the structural parameters of the membranes. This work provides a basis for the rational design of nanosheet-based membranes for advanced separation and emerging nanofluidics.

Changes in menopausal symptoms comparing oral estradiol versus transdermal estradiol

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oral and transdermal estradiol in alleviating menopausal symptoms.

METHOD

A total of 257 recently menopausal women were randomized into two groups. The t-E2 group received transdermal estradiol (2.5 g per day) (n = 128) and the o-E2V group received oral estradiol valerate (2 mg per day) (n = 129) for 24 weeks; both groups received micronized progesterone (200 mg per day). The primary outcome measure is the change in the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) after 24 weeks of treatment. Menopausal symptoms were recorded at screening and at 4, 12 and 24 weeks using both the KMI and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

RESULTS

Significant amelioration was observed by KMI and MRS scores for both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). The mean KMI scores showed no difference between the two groups. The mean MRS scores were similar between the two groups at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The results showed statistical differences after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011). Both the after-treatment scores minus the baseline scores of KMI and MRS and the incidence of adverse effects showed no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that both transdermal and oral estradiol are effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, with little difference in treatment efficacy and safety.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

ChiCTR2300073146.

Effect of SIRT1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms on susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in a Han Chinese population

AIMS

SIRT1 deficiency has been associated with diabetes, and a variant of the SIRT1 gene has been found to be involved in human autoimmune diabetes; however, it is unclear whether this genetic variation exists in Han Chinese with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and whether it contributes to development of T1D. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association of the SIRT1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10997866 and rs3818292 in a Han Chinese population with T1D.

METHODS

This study recruited 2653 unrelated Han Chinese individuals, of whom 1289 had T1D and 1364 were healthy controls. Allelic and genotypic distributions of SIRT1 polymorphisms (rs10997866 and rs3818292) were determined by MassARRAY. Basic characteristics, genotype and allele frequencies of selected SNPs were compared between the T1D patients and healthy controls. Further genotype-phenotype association analysis of the SNPs was performed on the T1D patients divided into three groups according to genotype. Statistical analyses included the chi-square test, Mann‒Whitney U test, Kruskal‒Wallis H test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The allelic (G vs. A) and genotypic (GA vs. AA) distributions of SIRT1 rs10997866 were significantly different in T1D patients and healthy controls (P = 0.039, P = 0.027), and rs10997866 was associated with T1D susceptibility under dominant, overdominant and additive models (P = 0.026, P = 0.030 and P = 0.027, respectively). Moreover, genotype-phenotype association analysis showed the GG genotype of rs10997866 and the GG genotype of rs3818292 to be associated with higher titers of IA-2A (P = 0.013 and P = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSION

SIRT1 rs10997866 is significantly associated with T1D susceptibility, with the minor allele G conferring a higher risk of T1D. Moreover, SIRT1 gene rs10997866 and rs3818292 correlate with the titer of IA-2A in Han Chinese individuals with T1D.

Preoperative prediction of vasculogenic mimicry in lung adenocarcinoma using a CT radiomics model

AIM

To develop and validate a non-invasive computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model for predicting vasculogenic mimicry (VM) status in lung adenocarcinoma (LA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and three patients with LA were enrolled retrospectively and grouped into training and test groups with a ratio of 7:3. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed in the training cohort to screen the independent clinical and radiological factors for VM, and the clinical model was then established. A radiomics model was established based on the rad-scores through support vector machine (SVM). A radiomics nomogram model was subsequently constructed by combining the rad-score with clinical-radiological factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were conducted to evaluate the performance of the three models.

RESULTS

Nine selected radiomics features were selected for the radiomics model and the maximum length and spiculation sign were constructed for the clinical model. The radiomics nomogram model integrating the maximum length, spiculation sign, and rad-score yielded the best AUC in both the training (AUC = 0.925) and test cohorts (AUC = 0.978), in comparison with the radiomics model (AUC = 0.907 and 0.964, in both the training and test cohorts) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.834 and 0.836 in both training and test cohorts).

CONCLUSIONS

The CT-based radiomics nomogram model showed satisfying discriminating performance for preoperatively and non-invasively predicting VM expression status in LA patients.

Using CT imaging features to predict visceral pleural invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer

AIM

To examine the diagnostic performance of different models based on computed tomography (CT) imaging features in differentiating the invasiveness of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with multiple pleural contact types.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,573 patients with NSCLC (tumour size ≤3 cm) were included retrospectively. The clinical and pathological data and preoperative imaging features of these patients were investigated and their relationships with visceral pleural invasion (VPI) were compared statistically. Multivariate logistic regression was used to eliminate confounding factors and establish different predictive models.

RESULTS

By univariate analysis and multivariable adjustment, surgical history, tumour marker (TM), number of pleural tags, length of solid contact and obstructive inflammation were identified as independent risk predictors of pleural invasiveness (p=0.014, 0.003, <0.001, <0.001, and 0.017, respectively). In the training group, comparison of the diagnostic efficacy between the combined model including these five independent predictors and the image feature model involving the latter three imaging predictors were as follows: sensitivity of 88.9% versus 77% and specificity of 73.5% versus 84.1%, with AUC of 0.868 (95% CI: 0.848-0.886) versus 0.862 (95% CI: 0.842-0.880; p=0.377). In the validation group, the sensitivity and specificity of these two models were as follow: the combined model, 93.5% and 74.3%, the imaging feature model, 77.4% and 81.3%, and their areas under the curve (AUCs) were both 0.884 (95% CI: 0.842-0.919). The best cut-off value of length of solid contact was 7.5 mm (sensitivity 68.9%, specificity 75.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The image feature model showed great potential in predicting pleural invasiveness, and had comparable diagnostic efficacy compared with the combined model containing clinical data.

Serum metabolomics identifies uric acid as a possible novel biomarker for predicting recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Metabolomics has proven to be a valuable tool in gaining new insights into disease progression and prognosis, the specific metabolic alterations in the serum of recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients remain unknown. This study aims to explore the serum metabolomic profiles of recurrent CRSwNP and identify potential predictive biomarkers.

METHODS

A prospective, single-center study was conducted on CRSwNP patients prior to endoscopic sinus surgery. Serum samples were subjected to untargeted metabolomic profiling. Patients were followed up for over 2 years and categorized into recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Metabolite differences between the two groups were compared, and the identified differentially regulated metabolites were subsequently validated in a large clinical cohort.

RESULTS

67 CRSwNP patients completed the follow-up schedule, with 47 classified into the non-recurrent group and 20 into the recurrent group. Significant differences were found in the metabolomic profiles between both groups, and serum uric acid (SUA) showed promising predictive potential for postoperative recurrence in both positive and negative ion models. A validation cohort comprising 398 non-recurrent and 142 recurrent CRSwNP patients was recruited, and a significant elevation in SUA levels was observed in recurrent cases. Patients were stratified into tertiles based on the distribution of baseline SUA levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher tertiles of SUA were associated with an increased risk of CRSwNP recurrence compared to lower tertiles, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The receiver operating characteristic curve and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis highlighted that elevated SUA levels exhibited potential predictive values for postoperative recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Serum metabolic signatures might predict postoperative recurrence in CRSwNP patients. Increased SUA concentrations were found to be associated with a higher risk of future postoperative recurrence in CRSwNP, independent of traditional risk factors.

Endothelial-dependent relaxation of α-pinene and two metabolites, myrtenol and verbenol, in isolated murine blood vessels

Epidemiological evidence shows that residential proximity to greenspaces is associated with lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality; however, the mechanism(s) underlying this link remains unclear. Plants emit biogenic volatile organic compounds such as α-pinene that could elicit beneficial cardiovascular effects. To explore the role of α-pinene more directly, we studied the metabolism and the vascular effects of α-pinene. We found that exposure of mice to α-pinene (1 ppm, 6 h) generated two phase I oxidation metabolites, cis- and trans-verbenol [(1R,2R,5R)-verbenol and (1 R,2S,5R)-verbenol)] and myrtenol [(1S,5R)-(+)-myrtenol] that were identified in urine by GC-MS. Precontracted naïve murine male and female aorta and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were relaxed robustly (60% tension reduction) by increasing concentrations of α-pinene, myrtenol, and verbenol to 0.3 mM, whereas 1 mM α-pinene was vasotoxic. The SMA was six times more sensitive than the aorta to α-pinene. Both myrtenol and verbenol were equally potent and efficacious as parent α-pinene in male and female SMA. The sensitive portion of the α-pinene-, myrtenol-, and verbenol-induced relaxations in male SMA was mediated by 1) endothelium, 2) eNOS-derived NO, and 3) guanylyl cyclase (GC) activity. Moreover, α-pinene activated the transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) channel whereas the metabolites did not. Endothelial-derived NO regulates blood flow, blood pressure, and thrombosis, and it is plausible that inhaled (and ingested) α-pinene (or its metabolites) augments NO release to mediate the cardiovascular benefits of exposure to greenness.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A common plant-derived biogenic volatile organic compound, α-pinene, and two of its metabolites, myrtenol and verbenol, stimulate vasorelaxation in murine superior mesenteric artery. Both α-pinene- and its metabolites induce vasorelaxation by activation of the endothelium, nitric oxide, and guanylyl cyclase. α-Pinene also activates the transient receptor potential ankyrin-1. Positive associations between greenness exposure and human cardiovascular health may be a result of the vascular action of α-pinene and its metabolites, a novel consideration.

Effects of adverse childhood experiences on the Charlson comorbidity index in US adults

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article was to explore the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and to provide valuable information for public health professionals and policymakers to improve quality of life and reduce mortality.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data pooled from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

METHODS

This study involved 102,393 US adult participants from the 2020 BRFSS. The zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) and mixed graphical model (MGM) models were used to explore the effect of ACEs on CCI and the interaction between ACEs.

RESULTS

In the count part of the model (CCI ≥0), sexual abuse had the strongest association with CCI (relative risk [RR] = 1.111, P < 0.001). In the logit part of the model (CCI = 0), the likelihood of having CCI equal to 0 decreased by 23.0% for household substance abuse, which was the highest percentage decrease for all ACEs. Compared to those with ACE scores equal to 0, individuals with ACE scores ≥4 have an expected CCI RR of 1.222, and the likelihood of having CCI equal to 0 decreased by 50.2%. Household substance abuse and incarceration history in the home had the strongest association among interactions of ACEs (0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Associations between ACEs and CCI were observed in this study, and these associations differed between genders. The findings of this study provide data to design strategies for disease prevention and improvement of quality of life.

Nanoconfinement enabled non-covalently decorated MXene membranes for ion-sieving

Covalent modification is commonly used to tune the channel size and functionality of 2D membranes. However, common synthesis strategies used to produce such modifications are known to disrupt the structure of the membranes. Herein, we report less intrusive yet equally effective non-covalent modifications on Ti₃C₂T_x MXene membranes by a solvent treatment, where the channels are robustly decorated by protic solvents via hydrogen bond network. The densely functionalized (-O, -F, -OH) Ti₃C₂T_x channel allows multiple hydrogen bond establishment and its sub-1-nm size induces a nanoconfinement effect to greatly strengthen these interactions by maintaining solvent-MXene distance and solvent orientation. In sub-1-nm ion sieving and separation, as-decorated membranes exhibit stable ion rejection, and proton-cation (H⁺/Mⁿ⁺) selectivity that is up to 50 times and 30 times, respectively, higher than that of pristine membranes. It demonstrates the feasibility of non-covalent methods as a broad modification alternative for nanochannels integrated in energy-, resource- and environment-related applications.

Construction of 2D/0D Graphene Oxide/Copper(I) Oxide-Incorporated Titanium Dioxide Mixed-Dimensional Membranes with Ultrafast Water Transport and Enhanced Antifouling Properties

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes are emerging for water treatment. Meanwhile, challenges remain due to membrane fouling and their instability in aqueous solutions. Herein, a novel GO-based mixed-dimensional membrane with superior antifouling and nonswelling properties was prepared by assembling two-dimensional (2D) GO nanosheets and zero-dimensional (0D) copper(I) oxide-incorporated titanium dioxide photocatalyst (CT). The decoration of CT in GO nanosheets tuned the microstructure and surface hydrophilicity while creating more transport channels in CT/GO membranes. This resulted in a high water permeance of 171.5 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1 and improved selectivity to various dye molecules (96.2-98.6%). Due to the significantly enhanced antibacterial properties of the CT nanoparticles, the growth of bacteria on the surface of the CT/GO membrane was suppressed (threefold less than that on the GO membrane). Moreover, the embedding of photocatalysts also allowed CT/GO membranes to exhibit ∼9-fold improvement in antibacterial activity and organic dye degradation performance under visible-light irradiation. This study offers a powerful solution to enhance the nanofiltration performance and antibacterial properties of GO membranes toward practical applications.

Smart utilisation of reverse solute diffusion in forward osmosis for water treatment: A mini review

Forward osmosis (FO) has been widely studied as a promising technology in wastewater treatment, but undesirable reverse solute diffusion (RSD) is inevitable in the FO process. The RSD is generally regarded as a negative factor for the FO process, resulting in the loss of draw solutes and reduced FO efficiency. Conventional strategies to address RSD focus on reducing the amount of reverse draw solutes by fabricating high selective FO membranes and/or selecting the draw solute with low diffusion. However, since RSD is inevitable, doubts have been raised about the strategies to cope with the already occurring reverse draw solutes in the feed solution, and the feasibility to positively utilise the RSD phenomenon to improve the FO process. Herein, we review the state-of-the-art applications of RSD and their benefits such as improving selectivity and maintaining the stability of the feed solution for both independent FO processes and FO integrated processes. We also provide an outlook and discuss important considerations, including membrane fouling, membrane development and draw/feed solution properties, in RSD utilisation for water and wastewater treatment.

Pyro-layered heterostructured nanosheet membrane for hydrogen separation

Engineering different two-dimensional materials into heterostructured membranes with unique physiochemical properties and molecular sieving channels offers an effective way to design membranes for fast and selective gas molecule transport. Here we develop a simple and versatile pyro-layering approach to fabricate heterostructured membranes from boron nitride nanosheets as the main scaffold and graphene nanosheets derived from a chitosan precursor as the filler. The rearrangement of the graphene nanosheets adjoining the boron nitride nanosheets during the pyro-layering treatment forms precise in-plane slit-like nanochannels and a plane-to-plane spacing of ~3.0 Å, thereby endowing specific gas transport pathways for selective hydrogen transport. The heterostructured membrane shows a high H₂ permeability of 849 Barrer, with a H₂/CO₂ selectivity of 290. This facile and scalable technique holds great promise for the fabrication of heterostructures as next-generation membranes for enhancing the efficiency of gas separation and purification processes.

Understanding the membrane fouling control process at molecular level in the heated persulfate activation- membrane distillation hybrid system

Sulfate radical (SO₄^●-) based advanced oxidation is considered as a promising pretreatment strategy to degrade organic pollutants and thereby mitigate the membrane fouling in the membrane process. In this study, heat-activated persulfate (PS) activation was integrated with the membrane distillation (MD) process for the alleviation of membrane fouling in treatment of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) secondary effluent and surface water. In-depth understanding of the molecular fate during membrane fouling control process was performed by using a non-targeted screening method of two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF-MS) coupling with multiple characterizations. It was found that the heat-activated PS activation pretreatment could effectively degrade the dissolved organic matter (DOM) and change its molecular conformation, wherein the relative abundance of oxygen-containing substances was remarkably increased through oxygenation reactions. Moreover, the refractory organics with higher molecular weight (MW) and unsaturation degree were more inclined to be destroyed, following by partial mineralization during pretreatment process. It was also identified that oxygen-deficient compounds and the molecular formulas featuring higher double bond equivalent (DBE) values and lower MW tended to be deposited on the membrane surface to cause the membrane fouling. In particular, the aliphatic substances were the predominant components irrespective of membrane foulant samples from secondary effluent or surface water. Meanwhile, the complexation between organic compounds and high valence cations as well as the precipitation of inorganics were restrained owing to the reduction of DOM concentration and the transformation of molecular structure, consequently leading to reduced membrane fouling. This study is believed to further provide new insight into the membrane fouling control mechanism at molecular level.

The role and molecular mechanism of gut microbiota in Graves' orbitopathy

PURPOSE

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is an autoimmune orbital disorder. Gut microbiota dysfunction plays a vital role in autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease (GD) and GO. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the change of gut microbiota in GD/GO using mouse model.

METHODS

The murine model of GD/GO was established by the challenge of adenovirus expressing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) (Ad-TSHR). The histological changes of orbital and thyroid tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

The GD/GO model was established successfully, as manifested as the broadened eyelid, exophthalmia and conjunctive redness, severe inflammatory infiltration among thyroid glands and between extraocular muscle space, hypertrophic extraocular muscles, elevated thyroxine (T4) and decreased TSH, and positive CD34, CD40, collagen I, and α-SMA staining. A total of 222 operational taxonomic units (OUTs) were overlapped between mice in the Ad-NC and Ad-TSHR groups. The microbial composition of the samples in the two groups was mainly Bacteroidia and Clostridia, and the Ad-NC group had a significantly lower content of Bacteroidia and higher content of Clostridia. KEGG orthology analysis results revealed differences in dehydrogenase, aspartic acid, bile acid, chalcone synthase, acetyltransferase, glutamylcyclotransferase, glycogenin, and 1-phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase between two groups; enzyme commission (EC) analysis results revealed differences in several dehydrogenase, oxidase, thioxy/reductase between two groups; MetaCyc pathways analysis results revealed differences in isoleucine degradation, oxidation of C1 compounds, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle IV, taurine degradation, and biosynthesis of paromamine, heme, colonic acid building blocks, butanediol, lysine/threonine/methionine, and histidine/purine/pyrimidine between two groups.

CONCLUSION

This study induced a mouse model of GD/GO by Ad-TSHR challenge, and gut microbiota characteristics were identified in the GD/GO mice. The Bacteroidia and Clostridia abundance was changed in the GD/GO mice. These findings may lay a solid experimental foundation for developing personalized treatment regimens for GD patients according to the individual gut microbiota. Given the potential impact of regional differences on intestinal microbiota, this study in China may provide a reference for the global overview of the gut-thyroid axis hypothesis.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic low anterior resection with "dog ear" invagination anastomosis for mid and distal rectal cancer a propensity score matched analysis

Background

The lateral intersecting margin (dog-ear) was a weak spot of the double stapled technique (DST), We designed "dog-ear" invagination anastomosis (DAIA), which could eliminate the "dog-ear" in laparoscopic anterior resection.

Patients and methods

A total of 202 patients underwent elective curative LLAR + DST (n = 143) or LLAR + DAIA (n = 59) were enrolled in the study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the adverse effects. The clinical data between LLAR + DST and LLAR + DAIA was compared, and the effect of factors on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed.

Results

After PSM, 53 pairs of the LLRA + DST and LLRA + DAIA patients were enrolled in the study. The LLRA + DAIA group has a higher level (3.50 ± 1.03 vs. 2.87 ± 1.10, P = 0.01) of the anastomosis than that of the LLRA + DST group. Patients in LLAR + DAIA group have a lower incidence of protecting loop ileostomy compared to LLAR + DST group (20.75% vs. 5.66%, P < 0.05). The LLRA + DAIA patients presented better rates of LARS compare to LLRA + DST patients at 6 months (major LARS 37.74% (n = 20) vs. 67.93% (n = 36); P = 0.007) and 12 months (major LARS 13.21% (n = 7) vs. 20.37% (n = 11); P = 0.03) after surgery. The OS and DFS rates were similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic low anterior resection with "dog-ear" invagination anastomosis technique are well-established procedures for patients with low rectal cancer. "Dog-ear" invagination anastomosis technique may reduce the incidence of protecting loop ileostomy and significantly affect LARS score, and demonstrate a positive impact on the quality of life after surgery.

Remediation of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soil using gas fractionation enhanced technology

This study investigated a gas fractionation enhanced soil washing method for poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal from contaminated soil. With the assistance of gas fractionation, PFAS removal was increased by a factor of 9, compared to the conventional soil washing method. Pre-extraction (pre-treatment) of the soil with water before gas fractionation enhanced PFAS removal from soil. The optimum extraction time varied based on the soil particle size, since it will change the swelling time of the soil. The influence of various operational conditions such as water to soil mass ratio (W:S ratio), gas type in fractionation, gas flowrate, fractionation time and soil pre-treatment condition have been studied to identify the critical influencing factors. Among various W:S ratios (2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10) studied, higher W:S ratio resulted in better PFAS removals, but PFAS removal began to plateau as the W:S ratio increased. PFAS removal could be improved by repeated treatment with low water consumption. Air, oxygen, and ozone generated by air and oxygen were used, in which ozone generated by oxygen achieved the highest PFAS removals of 55.9%. Among different fractionation times (10 min, 20 min and 30 min), a fractionation time of 20 min achieved better total PFAS removal for studied soil, because PFOS was the dominant species in the total PFAS. However, the removal of some PFAS species, such as PFHxS, would be increased with extended fractionation time. With constant fractionation time (10 min), PFAS removal performance improved with the increasing gas flowrate.

Promotion effect of Ni doping on the oxygen resistance property of Fe/CeO2 catalyst for CO-SCR reaction: Activity test and mechanism investigation

Catalytic reduction of NO using CO, which is usually present in the flue gas of the iron and steel industry, is considered as an economical and eco-friendly de-NO_x method (CO-SCR). However, the oxygen present in the flue gas will significantly inhibit the CO-SCR activity of the catalyst, thereby limiting its industrial application. Herein, catalysts based on iron and cerium oxides were prepared and modified with different metals to investigate their performance for the CO-SCR reaction in the presence of oxygen. The results show that the Fe/CeO₂ catalyst can reach 99% NO conversion at 200 °C, but its activity decreased dramatically to 42.7% when the oxygen is present (0.5 vol%). By contrast, the NO conversion of Ni-doped Fe/CeO₂ catalyst demonstrated significant enhanced oxygen resistance and could achieve 92% even at 150 °C in the presence of 0.5 vol% oxygen. Characterization techniques such as N₂ adsorption, XRD, SEM/TEM, XPS, H₂-TPR, and in situ DRIFT were employed to investigate the mechanism of the improved oxygen resistance property of Ni-doped catalyst. The results show that the doped Ni can interact with Fe species, increases the BET surface area of the catalyst and generates more surface oxygen vacancies (SOV) and surface synergetic oxygen vacancy (SSOV) in CO-SCR reaction, thereby improving the redox performance of the catalyst. In situ DRIFT results show that the better redox performance of NiFe/CeO₂ catalyst is conducive to the conversion of adsorbed NO_x species to the reactive intermediate NO₂^- species during the reaction. Meanwhile, the enhanced SOV/SSOV in the NiFe/CeO₂ catalyst can remain active in the presence of oxygen. Therefore, the NiFe/CeO₂ catalyst exhibits a promising catalytic activity in CO-SCR reaction when oxygen is present.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging as a quantitative tool for evaluating disease activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

AIM

To determine the correlations between four quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted images (IVIM DWI) and the semi-quantitative Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) score of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and five clinical activity indices in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

AND METHODS

A total of 75 patients with axSpA and complete clinical activity indices and SIJ MRI were enrolled to this prospective study. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between MRI parameters and clinical activity indices after controlling for confounders. All data were further analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r).

RESULTS

Only pure diffusion coefficient (D) and incoherent perfusion related microcirculation (D∗) were found to be independently positively correlated with several clinical activity indices (all p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between D and the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Patient Global Assessment (PGA), extent of influence of pain, with r of 0.605, 0.402, 0.319, and 0.485 (all p<0.0125). D∗ correlated positively with BASDAI, BASFI, and PGA (r=0.436, 0.356, 0.301, respectively; all p<0.0125).

CONCLUSION

D and D∗ derived from IVIM DWI could be associated with some disease activity indices in patients with axSpA; apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and SPARCC scores were not correlated with these indices. IVIM DWI may be a useful tool for the quantitative assessment of disease activity in patients with axSpA.

The role of lateral size of MXene nanosheets in membrane filtration of dyeing wastewater: Membrane characteristic and performance

New two-dimensional (2D) material MXene based lamellar membranes constructed from 2D MXene nanosheets have shown promising potential for water treatment with excellent selective property and high water flux. However, the effect of lateral size of MXene nanosheets on the membrane property and performance was rarely considered. Herein, the MXene nanosheets with different lateral size (552.3 nm, 397.5 nm and 281.8 nm) segregated via adjusting centrifugation conditions were used to prepare MXene membranes. XRD and cross-sectional SEM images confirmed that the resulting MXene membranes had the similar d-spacing and thickness. The MXene membrane with the smallest lateral size, MXene_(S)-M, owned the largest surface roughness with reduced surface hydrophilicity. Lateral size determined mass transfer pathway and transfer resistance, which consequently influenced the water permeance and rejection of MXene membranes for dyeing wastewater treatment. MXene_(S)-M with the shortest mass transfer pathway had the high water permeance while the MXene membrane with larger lateral size (MXene_(L)-M and MXene_(M)-M), possessing longer mass transport pathway, promoted high dye rejection.

[Analysis of HIV-1 genetic subtype and pretreatment drug resistance among men who have sex with men infected with HIV-1 from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China]

Objective: To investigate the distribution of HIV-1 genetic subtypes and pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) among men who have sex with men (MSM) from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China. Methods: From April to November 2019, 574 plasma samples of ART-naive HIV-1 infected MSM were collected from 19 cities in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces, total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted and amplified the HIV-1 pol gene region by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after reverse transcription. Then sequences were used to construct a phylogenetic tree to determine genetic subtypes and submitted to the Stanford drug resistance database for drug resistance analysis. Results: A total of 479 samples were successfully amplified by PCR. The HIV-1 genetic subtypes included CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B, CRF59_01B, CRF65_cpx, CRF103_01B, CRF67_01B, CRF68_01B and unrecognized subtype, which accounted for 43.4%, 36.3%, 6.3%, 5.9%, 0.8%, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.4%, 0.2% and 5.5%, respectively. The distribution of genetic subtypes among provinces is statistically different (χ²=44.141, P<0.001). The overall PDR rate was 4.6% (22/479), the drug resistance rate of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors were 3.5% (17/479), 0.8% (4/479) and 0.2% (1/479), respectively. The PDR rate of recent infections was significantly higher than that of long-term infections (χ²=4.634, P=0.031). Conclusions: The HIV-1 genetic subtypes among MSM infected with HIV-1 from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China are diverse, and the distribution of subtypes is different among provinces. The overall PDR rate is low, while the PDR rate of recent infections was significantly higher than that of long-term infections, suggesting the surveillance of PDR in recent infections should be strengthened.

Study of MOF incorporated dual layer membrane with enhanced removal of ammonia and per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfill leachate treatment

Landfill leachate is a highly polluted and complex wastewater as it contains large amounts of organic matters, ammonia‑nitrogen, heavy metals, and per-/poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which makes its treatment very challenging. In this paper, hydrophilic/hydrophobic dual layer membranes combining advantages of pervaporation and membrane distillation was employed to treat leachate in a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) configuration. An aluminum fumarate (AlFu) metal organic framework (MOF) incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrophilic layer was coated on hydrophobic PTFE membrane to overcome the low separation efficiency of PFAS and ammonia and wetting issues encountered by the conventional hydrophobic PTFE membrane used for DCMD. The rejections of dual layer membranes with different MOF loading to PFAS, ammonia, TOC and TDS were assessed based on the amount of AlFu MOF incorporated into the PVA layer. Based on the conducted adsorption tests, it was found that AlFu MOF increases the rejection of PVA layer to PFAS and ammonia. The coating of the hydrophilic layer could enhance the wetting resistance with/without MOF addition. In comparison with the pristine PTFE membrane using synthetic feed containing 3 wt% NaCl, 1 wt% addition of AlFu MOF into the PVA layer showed slightly increased flux. All the tested membranes showed more than 99% rejection to TOC. The rejection to ammonia was increased as more MOF was incorporated into the PVA layer. The maximum rejection of ammonia was 99.8% when the PVA layer containing 10% MOF. All the membranes showed more than 99% rejection to PFOS and PFHxS. However, PTFE membrane did not show any rejection to PFOA. As more MOF was added into the hydrophilic layer, the rejection to PFOA increased, but plateaued at 65.6% with 5% MOF incorporation into the hydrophilic layer.

[Application of limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay for estimating HIV-1 incidence in men who have sex with men]

Objective: To estimate the incidence of HIV-1 infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in key areas of China through HIV-1 limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay (LAg-Avidity EIA), analyze the deviation from the actual results and identify influencing factors, and provided reference for improving the accuracy of estimation results. Methods: Based on the principle of the cohort randomized study design, 20 cities were selected in China based on population size and the number of HIV-positive MSM. The sample size was estimated to be 700 according to the HIV-1 infection rate in MSM. MSM mobile phone app. was used to establish a detection appointment and questionnaire system, and the baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to November 2019. LAg-Avidity EIA was used to identify the recent infected samples. The incidence of HIV-1 infection was calculated and then adjusted based on the estimation formula designed by WHO. The influencing factors were identified by analyzing the sample collection and detection processes. Results: Among the 10 650 blood samples from the participants, 799 were HIV-positive in initial screening, in which 198 samples (24.78%) missed during confirmation test. Only 621 samples were received by the laboratory. After excluding misreported samples, 520 samples were qualified for testing. A total of 155 samples were eventually determined as recent infection through LAg-Avidity EIA; Based on the estimation formula , the incidence of HIV-1 infection in MSM in 20 cities was 4.06% (95%CI:3.27%-4.85%), it increased to 5.53% (95%CI: 4.45%-6.60%)after the adjusting for sample missing rate. When the sample missing rate and misreporting rate were both adjusted, the incidence of HIV-1 infection in the MSM increased to 5.66% (95%CI:4.67%-6.65%). The actual incidence of HIV-1 infection in MSM in the 20 cities might be between 4.06% and 5.66%. Conclusions: Sample missing and misreporting might cause the deviation of the estimation of HIV-1 infection incidence. It is important to ensure the sample source and the quality of sample collection and detection to reduce the deviation in the estimation of HIV-1 infection incidence.

Antigen Presentation and Proteome Study of Exosomes Secreted by Co-Culture of Macrophages and Talaromyces marneffei

It is known that intracellular pathogens interact and react with the cellular immune system through exosomes produced by macrophages. This study aimed to determine whether co-culture of macrophages and Talaromyces marneffei induces exosomes and leads to immune responses. T. marneffei was incubated to collect conidia, co-cultured with human macrophages, which then induced exosomes. In cellular experiments, after extraction and purification, the exosomes were then observed by electron microscopy and detected by flow cytometry and mass spectrometry. In animal experiments, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to examine whether exosomes were antigenpresenting. The results showed that purified exosomes produced a pro-inflammatory response and stimulated production of TNF-α in non-fungal-treated macrophages. Protein mass spectrometry analysis of exosomes also indicated their potential ability to activate the internal immune response system and the pro-inflammatory response. Translation and ribosomes were the most abundant GO terms in proteins, and the most relevant KEGG pathway was the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, in vivo experiments revealed that exosomes induced activation of lymphocytes and increased expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the lung, mediastinum, and spleen area. In conclusion, exosomes can be released by co-culture of T. marneffei and macrophages, having antigen-presenting functions, promoting macrophage inflammation, and initiating adaptive immune responses. These processes are inextricably linked to the translation of secondary metabolites, ribosomes and biosynthesis.

Development and Application of a Reverse-transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification Assay for Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus

Subgroup J Avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) is an important pathogen of poultry tumor diseases. Since its discovery, it has caused significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Thus, the rapid detection of molecular level with strong specificity is particularly important whether poultry are infected with ALV-J. In this study, we designed primers and probe for real-time fluorescent reverse-transcription recombinase-aided amplification assay (RT-RAA) based on the ALV-J gp85 sequence. We had established a real-time fluorescent RT-RAA method and confirmed this system by verifying the specificity and sensitivity of the primers and probe. In addition, repeatability tests and clinical sample regression tests were used for preliminary evaluation of this detection method. The sensitivity of established method was about 10¹ copies/μL, and the repeatability of the CV of the C_T value is 4%, indicating repeatability is good. Moreover, there was no cross-reactivity with NDV, IBV, IBDV, H9N2, MDV, and REV, and other avian leukosis virus subgroups, such as subgroups A, B, C, D, K and E. Importantly, the real-time fluorescent RT-RAA completed the test within 30 min at a constant temperature of 41°C. Forty-two clinical samples with known background were tested, and the test results were coincided with 100%. Overall, these results suggested that the real-time fluorescent RT-RAA developed in this study had strong specificity, high sensitivity, and good feasibility. The method is simple, easy, and portable, that is suitable for clinical and laboratory diagnosis, and provides technical support for the prevention and control of ALV-J.

Recent Advances in Catalysts and Membranes for MCH Dehydrogenation: A Mini Review

Methylcyclohexane (MCH), one of the liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), offers a convenient way to store, transport, and supply hydrogen. Some features of MCH such as its liquid state at ambient temperature and pressure, large hydrogen storage capacity, its well-known catalytic endothermic dehydrogenation reaction and ease at which its dehydrogenated counterpart (toluene) can be hydrogenated back to MCH and make it one of the serious contenders for the development of hydrogen storage and transportation system of the future. In addition to advances on catalysts for MCH dehydrogenation and inorganic membrane for selective and efficient separation of hydrogen, there are increasing research interests on catalytic membrane reactors (CMR) that combine a catalyst and hydrogen separation membrane together in a compact system for improved efficiency because of the shift of the equilibrium dehydrogenation reaction forwarded by the continuous removal of hydrogen from the reaction mixture. Development of efficient CMRs can serve as an important step toward commercially viable hydrogen production systems. The recently demonstrated commercial MCH-TOL based hydrogen storage plant, international transportation network and compact hydrogen producing plants by Chiyoda and some other companies serves as initial successful steps toward the development of full-fledged operation of manufacturing, transportation and storage of zero carbon emission hydrogen in the future. There have been initiatives by industries in the development of compact on-board dehydrogenation plants to fuel hydrogen-powered locomotives. This review mainly focuses on recent advances in different technical aspects of catalytic dehydrogenation of MCH and some significant achievements in the commercial development of MCH-TOL based hydrogen storage, transportation and supply systems, along with the challenges and future prospects.

Facile construction of dual heterojunction CoO@TiO2/MXene hybrid with efficient and stable catalytic activity for phenol degradation with peroxymonosulfate under visible light irradiation

Photocatalysis and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) based advanced oxidation processes (AOP) are emerging technology for the degradation of refractory organic pollutant in the field of water treatment. Here we report a novel CoO@TiO₂/MXene (CTM) hybrid through a facile sonication-hydrothermal method for efficient degradation of phenol via an integrated PMS activation-photocatalysis process. Benefiting from the proper position and superior suitability of the band structure, a dual interfacial charge transport channel was constructed, boosting the separation of photo-generated charge carriers and generating sufficient potential difference for redox reaction. Accordingly, the CTM hybrid not only possessed the outstanding photocatalytic activity but also dramatically accelerated PMS activation to generate considerable reactive radicals. As a result, over 96% phenol degradation was achieved in the 10% CTM/PMS/Vis system within 15 min. The radical quenching test and EPR analysis reveal that SO₄^•-, O₂^•- and ¹O₂ were predominant reactive species involved in the catalytic process. Moreover, the damaged chemical structure of CoO during PMS activation could be healed by the photo-actuated Co(II) regeneration to allow for continuous and stable catalytic process. This study offers a promising perspective for the rational design of competent and stable hybrid heterojunction catalyst to construct PMS activation-photocatalysis processes for the efficient degradation of organic contaminants.

Dual Functions of a Au@AgNP-Incorporated Nanocomposite Desalination Membrane with an Enhanced Antifouling Property and Fouling Detection Via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Membrane fouling has remained a major challenge limiting the wide application of membrane technology because it reduces the efficiency and shortens the lifespan of the membrane, thus increasing the operation cost. Herein we report a novel dual-function nanocomposite membrane incorporating silver-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) into a sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membrane for a pervaporation desalination. Compared with the control PVA membrane and PVA/SSA membrane, the Au@AgNPs/PVA/SSA membrane demonstrated a higher water flux and better salt rejection as well as an enhanced antifouling property. More importantly, Au@AgNPs provided an additional function enabling a foulant detection on the membrane surface via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as Au@AgNPs could amplify the Raman signals as an SERS substrate. Distinct SERS spectra given by a fouled membrane helped to distinguish different protein foulants from their characteristic fingerprint peaks. Their fouling tendency on the membrane was also revealed by comparing the SERS intensities of mixed foulants on the membrane surface. The Au@AgNPs/PVA/SSA nanocomposite membrane presented here demonstrated the possibility of a multifunction membrane to achieve both antifouling and fouling detection, which could potentially be used in water treatment.

Precision luminosity measurement in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV in 2015 and 2016 at CMS

The measurement of the luminosity recorded by the CMS detector installed at LHC interaction point 5, using proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV in 2015 and 2016, is reported. The absolute luminosity scale is measured for individual bunch crossings using beam-separation scans (the van der Meer method), with a relative precision of 1.3 and 1.0% in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The dominant sources of uncertainty are related to residual differences between the measured beam positions and the ones provided by the operational settings of the LHC magnets, the factorizability of the proton bunch spatial density functions in the coordinates transverse to the beam direction, and the modeling of the effect of electromagnetic interactions among protons in the colliding bunches. When applying the van der Meer calibration to the entire run periods, the integrated luminosities when CMS was fully operational are 2.27 and 36.3 fb - 1 in 2015 and 2016, with a relative precision of 1.6 and 1.2%, respectively. These are among the most precise luminosity measurements at bunched-beam hadron colliders.

Acrolein but not its metabolite, 3-Hydroxypropylmercapturic acid (3HPMA), activates vascular transient receptor potential Ankyrin-1 (TRPA1): Physiological to toxicological implications

Acrolein, an electrophilic α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, is present in foods and beverages, and is a product of incomplete combustion, and thus, reaches high ppm levels in tobacco smoke and structural fires. Exposure to acrolein is linked with cardiopulmonary toxicity and cardiovascular disease risk. The hypothesis of this study is the direct effects of acrolein in isolated murine blood vessels (aorta and superior mesenteric artery, SMA) are transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) dependent. Using isometric myography, isolated aorta and SMA were exposed to increasing levels of acrolein. Acrolein inhibited phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions (approximately 90%) in aorta and SMA of male and female mice in a concentration-dependent (0.01-100 μM) manner. The major metabolite of acrolein, 3-hydroxypropylmercapturic acid (3HPMA), also relaxed PE-precontracted SMA. As the SMA was 20× more sensitive to acrolein than aorta (SMA EC50 0.8 ± 0.2 μM; aorta EC50 > 29.4 ± 4.4 μM), the mechanisms of acrolein-induced relaxation were studied in SMA. The potency of acrolein-induced relaxation was inhibited significantly by: 1) mechanically-impaired endothelium; 2) Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME); 3) guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor (ODQ); and, 4) a TRPA1 antagonist (A967079). TRPA1 positive immunofluorescence was present in the endothelium. Compared with other known TRPA1 agonists, including allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), cinnamaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, and formaldehyde, acrolein stimulated a more potent TRPA1-dependent relaxation. Acrolein, at high concentration [100 μM], induced tension oscillations (spasms) independent of TRPA1 in precontracted SMA but not in aorta. In conclusion, acrolein is vasorelaxant at low levels (physiological) yet vasotoxic at high levels (toxicological).

Lactobacillus plantarum and molasses alter dynamic chemical composition, microbial community, and aerobic stability of mixed (amaranth and rice straw) silage

BACKGROUND

The objective was to determine how molasses and Lactobacillus plantarum affect chemical composition, fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and the microbial community of an ensiled mixture of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriaus, AF) and rice straw. Treatments were control (C, no addition), L. plantarum (L; 2 × 10⁵  cfu g^-1 fresh weight), molasses (M; 40 g kg^-1 fresh matter), and their combination (LM). All treatments were ensiled for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 30 days.

RESULTS

All additives improved fermentation quality with greater lactic acid (LA), acetic acid, and lower pH than C silage over the ensiling period. The LM silage combination optimized fermentability, manifested as greater LA contents and a more rapid pH reduction during the first 7 days of ensiling than L or M silages. After 30 days of ensiling, inoculant L. plantarum increased Lactobacillus abundance and reduced bacterial diversity and Enterobacteriaceae abundance compared with silage treated with molasses. Molasses addition reduced the relative concentration of structural carbohydrates (neutral and acid detergent fiber, and hemicellulose) after 30 days of ensiling. Finally, there was spoilage after 2 days and 4 days of aerobic exposure in C and LM silages respectively, whereas L silage had not spoiled after 4 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the combination of L. plantarum and molasses further optimized fermentation characteristics, L silage had better aerobic stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evolution mechanism of transition metal in NH3-SCR reaction over Mn-based bimetallic oxide catalysts: Structure-activity relationships

The unexpected phenomenon in which different transition metals (Co, Ni and Cu) presented significant variation of participation levels as the auxiliaries in Mn-based bimetallic oxide catalysts were reported here. It is found that the Co element more easily to form Mn enriched surface bimetallic oxides with Mn than Ni and Cu, resulting in Co-MnO_x exhibited the best deNO_x activity and SO₂ tolerance, followed by Ni-MnO_x and Cu-MnO_x. The role of different transition metal and structure-activity relationships were systematically investigated by advanced techniques including Synchrotron XAFS and in situ DRIFTs analysis. The excellent activity of Co-MnO_x was related to its unique Mn-enriched surface (Co²⁺)_tet(Mn³⁺ Co³⁺)_octO₄ structure with Mn cations occupying the octahedral sites, which is superior to the Ni-MnO_x and Cu-MnO_x with Mn-lean surface. In addition, the reaction energy barrier of Co-MnO_x is weakened due to the lower electron cloud density around the Mn atom as compared to Ni-MnO_x and Cu-MnO_x. Moreover, Co-MnO_x benefiting from the rapid electron migration between Mn and Co, more active bidentate/bridged nitrates could react with adsorbed NH₃ in faster reaction rates following the L-H mechanism.

POS0443 EXPLORING NOVEL TENOSYNOVITIS AND COMBINED INFLAMMATION IMAGING OUTCOMES: RESULTS FROM A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) trial outcomes have largely focused on synovitis, bone marrow oedema (BME) and erosions. Tenosynovitis is a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but is relatively understudied; a combined inflammation score (CIS) summing synovitis, BME and tenosynovitis may be a highly responsive measure. We previously showed the responsiveness of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) and a machine-learning derived automated tool (RAMRIQ) in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of tofacitinib and methotrexate (MTX) in MTX-naïve patients (pts) with early RA.1

Objectives:

This post hoc analysis assessed the impact of tofacitinib ± MTX on MRI tenosynovitis and CIS in pts with early RA using semiquantitative and quantitative MRI outcomes.

Methods:

Study A3921068 (NCT01164579), a 1-year, exploratory, Phase 2, RCT, compared tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID) ± MTX, and MTX monotherapy, in MTX-naïve pts with early RA.1 MRI of unilateral wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints was performed at screening/baseline (BL) and Months (M)1/3/6/12. MRI tenosynovitis and CIS were assessed using RAMRIS and RAMRIQ. Changes from BL (Δ) in RAMRIS and RAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS were evaluated at M1/3/6/12. Data were assessed using a mixed-effect model for repeated measures, with treatment arms as factors and BL values as covariates. Using data pooled across treatment arms, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated for associations between BL RAMRIS and BL RAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS vs BL Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, C-reactive protein (DAS28-4[CRP]), and ΔRAMRIS and ΔRAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS at M12 vs ΔDAS28-4(CRP) at M12.

Results:

In total, 109 pts were randomised and treated. ΔRAMRIS and ΔRAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS were generally significantly greater at M3/6/12 in pts receiving tofacitinib ± MTX vs MTX, while ΔRAMRIQ CIS was also significantly greater at M1 (Figure 1). Compared with RAMRIS, RAMRIQ outcomes were generally more responsive to treatment with tofacitinib ± MTX. Significant correlations were seen between BL RAMRIS and BL RAMRIQ tenosynovitis and BL RAMRIS CIS vs BL DAS28-4(CRP), and between ΔRAMRIS and ΔRAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS at M12 vs ΔDAS28-4(CRP) at M12 (Table 1). In general, stronger correlations were seen between BL DAS28-4(CRP) and BL RAMRIS vs BL RAMRIQ parameters, while correlations were similar between ΔDAS28-4(CRP) at M12 and ΔRAMRIS and ΔRAMRIQ parameters at M12.

Table 1.

Correlations between a) BL RAMRIS and BL RAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS vs BL DAS28-4(CRP) (N=109) and b) ΔRAMRIS and ΔRAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS at M12 vs ΔDAS28-4(CRP) at M12 (N=73) across treatment armsa

a)BL DAS28-4(CRP)b)ΔDAS28-4(CRP)BL imaging featureCorrelationp valueΔImaging featureCorrelationp valueRAMRIStenosynovitis0.3660.0001RAMRIStenosynovitis0.531<0.0001RAMRIS CIS0.399<0.0001RAMRIS CIS0.554<0.0001RAMRIQtenosynovitis0.2050.037RAMRIQtenosynovitis0.543<0.0001RAMRIQ CIS0.1800.062RAMRIQ CIS0.564<0.0001

aData were pooled across the tofacitinib 10 mg BID ± MTX and MTX monotherapy arms

Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and p values were calculated for associations between RAMRIS and RAMRIQ parameters and DAS28-4(CRP); tenosynovitis and CIS were assessed using combined data from metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints; CIS is the sum of synovitis, BME and tenosynovitis values

Δ, change from BL; N, number of pts with values at BL/timepoint of interest

Conclusion:

Responsiveness of RAMRIS and RAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS was demonstrated with significant improvements through M12 in pts receiving tofacitinib 10 mg BID ± MTX vs MTX. Construct validity for RAMRIS and RAMRIQ tenosynovitis and CIS was evident from correlations with DAS28-4(CRP). Further work is needed to validate these novel imaging biomarkers in terms of relative responsiveness and prediction of later structural progression.

References:

[1]Conaghan et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 75: 1024-1033.

Acknowledgements:

Study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Medical writing support was provided by Jennifer Arnold, CMC Connect, and funded by Pfizer Inc.

Disclosure of Interests:

Philip G Conaghan Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Novartis, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Flexion, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Mikkel Østergaard Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Centocor, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Mundipharma, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Roche, Schering-Plough, Takeda, UCB, Wyeth, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Centocor, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Mundipharma, Novartis, Novo, Orion, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Roche, Schering-Plough, Takeda, UCB, Wyeth, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Centocor, Merck, Orrin Troum Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Horizon, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi-Genzyme, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Horizon, Pfizer Inc, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Centocor, Corrona, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Zhiyong Xie Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Alan Brett Shareholder of: Stryker Corp, Employee of: Stryker Corp, Mark Snyder Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Abbas Ebrahim Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Douglass Chapman Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc, Gosford Sawyerr Consultant of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Syneos Health, John Andrews Shareholder of: Pfizer Inc, Employee of: Pfizer Inc