Assessment Of Tolerance Research Articles

Assessment of Static and Dynamic Load Tolerance of the Implant Mounts on its Particular Implant.

We compared the loads at which the implant holders from Astra Tech (AST) (AstraOsseoSpeed) and Osseotite Certain failed under static compression after experiencing fatigue, as well as the gap that resulted from dynamic loading between the implant-holder complexes. The ISO 14801 recommendation served as the foundation for the test protocol. Each brand's five implant-implant holder assemblies underwent dynamic loading. A load of 200 N was applied at a stress frequency of 12 Hz and a cycle rate of 5105. (Eden Prairie, MN, USA). Using scanning electron microscopy (S3700N, HITACHI, Japan), the gap (m) at the interface was measured post-fatigue. Static loading was then used to determine the highest load (N) after the point of failure. Controls included definitive abutment-implant complexes. Statistics were used to analyze the data. The Osseotite Certain group showed a slight trend toward greater resistance, but there was no diversity among the two implant holder groups (P 0.05). AST (AstraOsseoSpeed) implants had a larger interface gap, but the difference was not statistically significant. With respect to greatest compression load or the interface gap following dynamic loading, there were no discernible differences between the two experimental groups.

Probabilistic damage tolerance assessment method based on the multi-scale crack growth model

The probabilistic damage tolerance analysis method, which combines the theory of damage tolerance and probabilistic fracture mechanics, can significantly improve the reliability and safety of engineering structures. In this study, the stress intensity factors under different crack sizes of experimental specimens were simulated by the finite element method, and the damage tolerance evaluation effects of three fatigue crack growth models were compared. Then, based on the multi-scale fatigue crack growth model and the first-order second-moment (FOSM) method, the reliability under the specified fatigue crack growth life was obtained. Finally, considering the uncertainty of initial crack and fracture toughness, the probabilistic damage tolerance assessment map based on the multi-scale fatigue crack growth model is established. The map provides a basis for developing a more reasonable model and establishing a more perfect and reliable damage tolerance assessment method.

The clinical benefit of a multimodal topical approach to treating skin dyspigmentation

The recent removal of hydroquinone from the over-the-counter market has created a need for modern skin lightening formulations. An effective pigment lightening formulation must be non-irritating to prevent skin darkening from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, penetration enhanced to reach the epidermal/dermal junction, contain anti-inflammatory ingredients, and address multiple mechanisms of pigment production. The objective of this research was to demonstrate the efficacy of a topical multimodal pigment lightening preparation containing tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and licorice. Fifty female subjects 18+ years of all Fitzpatrick skin types with mild to moderate facial dyspigmentation were enrolled. Subjects were provided with the study product for twice daily use on the entire face and an SPF50 sunscreen with evaluations occurring at Week 4, Week 8, Week 12, and Week 16. The investigator used a face map to identify a pigmented target site on the face for dermaspectrophotometer (DSP) measurement. The dermatologist investigator completed a baseline facial efficacy and tolerability assessment. The subjects completed a tolerability assessment. 48/50 subjects completed the study without tolerability issues. The DSP readings demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in target spot pigmentation at Week 16. The investigator assessed a 37% decrease in pigment intensity, a 31% decrease in pigment extent, a 30% decrease in pigment homogeneity, a 45% improvement in brightness, a 42% improvement in clarity, and a 32% improvement in overall facial skin dyspigmentation at Week 16. The combination of penetration enhanced tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and licorice was effective in inducing facial pigment lightening.

Treatment Outcomes During Brivaracetam Treatment by Seizure Freedom Status at Baseline: Post hoc Analysis of a Real-world, US Study (P14-1.001)

Treatment Outcomes During Brivaracetam Treatment by Seizure Freedom Status at Baseline: Post hoc Analysis of a Real-world, US Study (P14-1.001)

The use of Lutetium-177 PSMA radioligand therapy with high dose rate brachytherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer after previous definitive radiation therapy: a randomized, single-institution, phase I/II study (ROADSTER).

BackgroundIsolated local failure (ILF) can occur in patients who initially receive definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Salvage therapy for ILF includes high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can accurately detect ILF and can exclude extraprostatic disease. Lutetium-177 PSMA Radioligand Therapy (RLT) is a novel treatment for prostate cancer that can target prostate cancer accurately, while sparing radiation dose to normal tissues.MethodsROADSTER is a phase I/II randomized, single-institution study. Patients with an ILF of prostate cancer after definitive initial radiation therapy are eligible. The ILF will be confirmed with biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PSMA PET. Patients will be randomized between HDR brachytherapy in two fractions (a standard of care salvage treatment at our institution) (cohort 1) or one treatment of intravenous Lutetium-177 PSMA RLT, followed by one fraction of HDR brachytherapy (cohort 2). The primary endpoints for the phase I portion of the study (n = 12) will be feasibility, defined as 10 or more patients completing the study protocol within 24 months of study activation; and safety, defined as zero or one patients in cohort 2 experiencing grade 3 or higher toxicity in the first 6 months post-treatment. If feasibility and safety are achieved, the study will expand to a phase II study (n = 30 total) where preliminary efficacy data will be evaluated. Secondary endpoints include changes in prostate specific antigen levels, acute toxicity, changes in quality of life, and changes in translational biomarkers. Translational endpoints will include interrogation of blood, urine, and tissue for markers of DNA damage and immune activation with each treatment.DiscussionROADSTER explores a novel salvage therapy for ILF after primary radiotherapy with combined Lutetium-177 PSMA RLT and HDR brachytherapy. The randomized phase I/II design will provide a contemporaneous patient population treated with HDR alone to facilitate assessment of feasibility, tolerability, and biologic effects of this novel therapy.Trial registrationNCT05230251 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Abstract CT108: First-in-patient study of the GDF-15 inhibitor ponsegromab in patients with cancer and cachexia: Safety, tolerability, and exploratory measures of efficacy

Abstract Background: Cachexia is common in patients with advanced cancer and has been associated with elevated serum growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) concentrations. This first-in-patient, phase 1b, study assessed the use of ponsegromab, a monoclonal antibody against GDF-15, in participants with advanced cancer and cachexia. Methods: Adult participants (n = 10) with cachexia, advanced cancer (non-small cell lung, colorectal, or pancreatic), and elevated serum concentrations of GDF-15 received open-label subcutaneous ponsegromab every three weeks (Q3W) for 12 weeks in addition to standard of care anti-cancer treatment. Study endpoints included assessment of ponsegromab safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. Serum GDF-15 concentrations and exploratory measures of efficacy were also assessed. Results: No treatment-related adverse events or injection site reactions were reported. No adverse trends in clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, or electrocardiogram parameters attributable to ponsegromab dosing were evident. Ninety-two adverse events deemed unrelated to treatment were reported; most were mild (Grade 1 = 58.7%) or moderate (Grade 2 = 28.3%) in severity. All participants were negative for anti-drug antibodies at baseline (n = 10) and after receiving 5 doses (Q3W) of ponsegromab (n = 9). Mean unbound ponsegromab Ctrough ranged from 4.041-4383 ng/mL between Days 22-106. An elevated GDF-15 concentration was required for inclusion in the study. Following initiation of study treatment, median unbound GDF-15 concentration was reduced to below the lower limit of quantification (0.0424 ng/mL) on day 1 and remained suppressed until week 15 (3 weeks after final dose). Increases in body weight were observed at all time points during the treatment (weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12) and follow-up (weeks 15, 18, and 24) periods. The mean (SD) body weight at baseline was 70.49 (16.97) kg. An LS mean (SE) increase of 4.63 kg (1.98) was observed at week 12 (end of treatment); representing an increase of approximately 6.5% relative to baseline. Improvements in actigraphy-based assessments of physical activity and in quality of life, including appetite, as assessed by Functional Assessment of Anorexia-Cachexia Therapy (FAACT) total and subscale scores, were also observed during the course of ponsegromab treatment. Conclusions: In participants with advanced cancer, cachexia, and elevated baseline GDF-15, ponsegromab was well tolerated and suppressed serum GDF-15 concentrations to below the median concentration seen in healthy subjects. Preliminary evidence of efficacy, including a mean observed weight gain of approximately 6.5% at 12 weeks, supports continued development of ponsegromab for the treatment of cancer cachexia. Funded by Pfizer. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04299048 Citation Format: Jeffrey Crawford, Roberto A. Calle, Susie M. Collins, Yan Weng, Shannon L. Lubaczewski, Clare Buckeridge, Ellen Q. Wang, Magdalena A. Harrington, Anil Tarachandani, Michelle I. Rossulek, James H. Revkin. First-in-patient study of the GDF-15 inhibitor ponsegromab in patients with cancer and cachexia: Safety, tolerability, and exploratory measures of efficacy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT108.

Abstract CT131: Initial preclinical and clinical experience of autologous engineered monocytes in T cell lymphoma patients

Abstract For many patients with T cell lymphomas (TCL), sustained clinical benefit with standard treatment options is elusive. Myeloid cells, such as monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages, readily accumulate in tumors, whereby they support tumor progression. The ability to harness the capability of myeloid cells to penetrate into tumors, and to subsequently program them to activate and elicit broad anti-tumor immunity has the potential to transform cancer therapies. With this goal we developed the first engineered monocyte cell product, by manipulating autologous monocytes to express a novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This CAR contains a tumor recognition domain fused to a CD8 hinge domain, Fcγ and PI3K intracellular signaling domains. In addition to imparting tumor specificity, the Fcγ and PI3K signaling domains promote phagocytosis, cytokine production and antigen presentation upon activation. In a rodent model of melanoma (gp75+ B16/F10-OVA), Ly6C+ monocytes engineered with this receptor were able to phagocytose tumor cells and cross present antigen in vitro. In vivo infusion of engineered monocytes was associated with significant suppression of tumor growth. FACS analysis of tumor-infiltrates demonstrated that engineered monocytes preferentially infiltrated tumors and differentiated into antigen presenting cells. Adoptive T cell transfer of CFSE-labeled OT-I CD8+ T cells confirmed that treatment was also associated with increased accumulation of tumor specific T cells in tumor and spleen. Based on these promising data, MT-101 is being assessed in humans in the Phase 1, open-label, first-in-human trial in patients with refractory or relapsed T cell lymphoma, IMAGINE trial (NCT05138458). The primary objective is the assessment of safety and tolerability at Day 28, following 3 weekly cycles of 2 infusions. Secondary objectives include assessment of correlative markers of response, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy. In the first 3 subjects, MT-101 has been well-tolerated, with no evidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), or infusion reactions. Examination of biomarkers by CyTOF in one subject shows changes in circulating leukocytes, including B cells. In this subject, survival has been greater than 10 months, while the median overall survival of patients with R/R PTCL is 5.5 months. Continued patient enrollment and data collection is ongoing to confirm these observations. Citation Format: Michele Gerber, Thomas Prod'homme, Yuxiao Wang, Kyong-Rim Kieffer-Kwon, Neha Diwanji, Josephine D'Alessandro, Xing Du, Edward Cochran, Michael Gorgievski, Zheng Ling, Nicholas King, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Daniel Getts. Initial preclinical and clinical experience of autologous engineered monocytes in T cell lymphoma patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT131.

Assessment of Risk Tolerance and Investment Pattern of Working Women- A Pragmatic Approach within Metropolitan Cities

Assessment of Risk Tolerance and Investment Pattern of Working Women- A Pragmatic Approach within Metropolitan Cities

LBA03-01 89 Zr-DFO-GIRENTUXIMAB FOR PET/CT IMAGING OF INDETERMINATE RENAL MASSES–RESULTS FROM PHASE 3 ZIRCON STUDY

LBA03-01 ⁸⁹ Zr-DFO-GIRENTUXIMAB FOR PET/CT IMAGING OF INDETERMINATE RENAL MASSES–RESULTS FROM PHASE 3 ZIRCON STUDY

Safety and Efficacy of Aripiprazole 2-Month Ready-to-Use 960 mg in Adult Patients With Bipolar I Disorder

AbstractBackgroundAripiprazole 2-month ready-to-use 960 mg (Ari 2MRTU 960) is a new long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic formulation for gluteal administration every 2 months. This 32-week trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of multiple-dose administration of Ari 2MRTU 960 in clinically stable adults with schizophrenia or BP-I, versus that of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg (AOM 400; an LAI indicated for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients stabilized with oral aripiprazole and maintenance monotherapy treatment of BP-I [indication varies by country]). Safety and efficacy outcomes in the subpopulation of patients with BP-I are reported here.MethodsPatients with BP-I were randomized to receive Ari 2MRTU 960 every 56±2 days or AOM 400 every 28±2 days. Safety and tolerability assessments included adverse event (AE) reporting, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores (scale range: 0–100) for patient-reported injection site pain, and extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) monitoring. Efficacy was assessed at Week 32 by Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I), Clinical Global Impression – Bipolar Version (CGI-BP), Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic Treatment – Short Form (SWN-S), Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS).ResultsStudy completion rate was 72.5% (29/40 patients) in the Ari 2MRTU 960 group and 70.7% (29/41 patients) in the AOM 400 group. Demographics and baseline disease characteristics were generally well balanced between treatment groups. Treatment-emergent AE (TEAE) incidence was 82.5% with Ari 2MRTU 960 and 87.8% with AOM 400. The most frequent TEAEs were increased weight (Ari 2MRTU 960, 25.0%; AOM 400, 26.8%) and injection site pain (Ari 2MRTU 960, 25.0%; AOM 400, 7.3%). Mean (standard deviation [SD]) VAS score for pain after last injection was 1.2 (2.07) with Ari 2MRTU 960 and 1.3 (2.19) with AOM 400. Minimal change was seen in EPS in either group. At Week 32, mean (SD) CGI-I score was 3.1 [1.2] with Ari 2MRTU 960 and 3.2 [1.5] with AOM 400, and there was minimal mean (SD) change from baseline in CGI-BP score (Ari 2MRTU 960, -0.2 [1.0]; AOM 400, -0.6 [1.2]). Mean (SD) change from baseline in SWN-S Total score was 10.3 (16.1) with Ari 2MRTU 960 and 3.4 (21.4) with AOM 400. There was no clinically meaningful difference between the groups in MADRS Total score or YMRS Total score (difference of least squares mean change from baseline [95% confidence interval]: MADRS Total score -2.1 [-6.3, 2.1], p=0.3185; YMRS Total score 0.1 [-1.8, 2.1], p=0.8995).ConclusionsIn patients with BP-I, Ari 2MRTU 960 was generally well tolerated, and clinical stability was maintained during the study.FundingOtsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (Princeton, NJ, USA) and H. Lundbeck A/S (Valby, Denmark).

Safety And Efficacy of Aripiprazole 2-Month Ready-to-Use 960 mg in Adult Patients With Schizophrenia

AbstractBackgroundAripiprazole 2-month ready-to-use 960 mg (Ari 2MRTU 960) is a new long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic formulation for gluteal administration every 2 months. This 32-week trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of multiple-dose administration of Ari 2MRTU 960 in clinically stable adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder (BP-I), versus that of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg (AOM 400; an LAI indicated for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients stabilized with oral aripiprazole [indication varies by country]). Safety and efficacy outcomes in the subpopulation of patients with schizophrenia are reported here.MethodsPatients with schizophrenia were randomized to receive Ari 2MRTU 960 every 56±2 days or AOM 400 every 28±2 days. Safety and tolerability assessments included adverse event (AE) reporting, Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] scores (scale range: 0–100) for patient-reported injection site pain, and extrapyramidal symptom (EPS) monitoring. Efficacy was evaluated at Week 32 using mean (standard deviation [SD]) Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I) score, and mean (SD) change from baseline in Clinical Global Impression – Severity (CGI-S) score, Subjective Well-being under Neuroleptic Treatment – Short Form [SWN-S] Total score, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Total score.ResultsStudy completion rate was 79.3% (73/92 patients) in the Ari 2MRTU 960 group and 67.7% (63/93 patients) in the AOM 400 group. Demographics and disease characteristics were well balanced between groups at baseline (mean [SD] PANSS Total score: Ari 2MRTU 960, 62.0 [13.5]; AOM 400, 61.8 [13.5]; mean (SD) CGI-S score: Ari 2MRTU 960, 3.3 [0.9]; AOM 400, 3.1 [0.9]). Treatment-emergent AE (TEAE) incidence was 66.3% with Ari 2MRTU 960 and 63.4% with AOM 400. The most frequent TEAEs were increased weight (Ari 2MRTU 960, 21.7%; AOM 400, 18.3%) and injection site pain (Ari 2MRTU 960, 15.2%; AOM 400, 9.7%). Mean (SD) VAS score for pain after last injection was 1.5 (4.58) with Ari 2MRTU 960 and 1.3 (2.79) with AOM 400. Minimal change was seen in EPS in either group. At Week 32, mean (SD) CGI-I score was similar between groups (Ari 2MRTU 960, 3.5 [1.0]; AOM 400, 3.6 [0.9]). Minimal change from baseline was seen at Week 32 in CGI-S score and SWN-S Total score. There was no clinically meaningful difference between the groups for PANSS Total score (difference of least squares mean change from baseline [95% confidence interval]: -0.9 [-3.5, 1.8]; p=0.5154).ConclusionsIn patients with schizophrenia, administration of Ari 2MRTU 960, as compared with AOM 400, was generally well tolerated, and clinical stability was maintained during the study.FundingOtsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (Princeton, NJ, USA) and H. Lundbeck A/S (Valby, Denmark).

Interactive effects of venlafaxine and thermal stress on zebrafish (Danio rerio) inflammatory and heat shock responses

Venlafaxine (VFX), a commonly prescribed antidepressant often detected in wastewater effluent, and acute temperature elevations from climate change and increased urbanization, are two environmental stressors currently placing freshwater ecosystems at risk. This study focused on understanding if exposure to VFX impacts the agitation temperature (Tag) and critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Additionally, we examined the interactive effects of VFX and acute thermal stress on zebrafish heat shock and inflammatory immune responses. A 96 h 1.0 μg/L VFX exposure experiment was conducted, followed by assessment of thermal tolerance via CTmax challenge. Heat shock proteins and pro-inflammatory immune cytokines were quantified through gene expression analysis by quantitative PCR (qPCR) on hsp 70, hsp 90, hsp 47, il-8, tnfα, and il-1β within gill and liver tissue. No significant changes in agitation temperature between control and exposed fish were observed, nor were there any differences in CTmax based on treatment. Unsurprisingly, hsp 47, 70, and 90 were all upregulated in groups exposed solely to CTmax, while only hsp 47 within gill tissue showed signs of interactive effects, which was significantly decreased in fish exposed to both VFX and CTmax. No induction of an inflammatory response occurred. This study demonstrated that environmentally relevant concentrations of VFX have no impact on thermal tolerance performance in zebrafish. However, VFX can cause diminished function of protective heat shock mechanisms, which could be detrimental to freshwater fish populations and aquatic ecosystems as temperature spikes become more frequent from climate change and urbanization near watersheds.

Topical cannabidiol is well tolerated in individuals with a history of elite physical performance and chronic lower extremity pain

IntroductionCannabidiol (CBD) is a potential therapeutic for pain management. Yet, there exists a dearth of studies of its tolerability and efficacy, especially in special populations. Former elite athletes are a special population both susceptible to chronic pain and also highly trained and attuned to assess medication tolerability concerns. The purpose of the present open-label pilot study was to assess the tolerability of CBD in this population.Materials and methodsRetrospective analysis was conducted in deidentified data from 20 individuals who were all previously professional athletes in US/American football, track and field, or basketball, with careers ranging from 4 to 10 years. Participants received topical CBD (10 mg twice daily by controlled dispenser) for chronic pain resulting from acute lower extremity injuries. Assessments of tolerability and secondary analyses of pain, pain-related disability, and activities of daily living were collected by self-report over the 6-week study period. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, pairwise t-test, and linear regression.ResultsSeventy percent of participants completed the study. Of the individuals who completed the study, 50% reported minor adverse effects, none of which required medical attention, and 50% did not report any adverse effects. The mostly commonly reported effects were skin dryness (43% of study completers) and skin rash (21% of study completers), which rapidly resolved. There was a significant improvement in self-reported pain levels (intake mean 3.5 ± 0.29; exit mean 1.7 ± 0.23; P < 0.001) and pain-related disability, including family and home responsibilities, life support activities, occupational activities, recreational activities, self-care, sexual function, and social activities (all P < 0.001).DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess CBD treatment in elite athletes, who are disproportionally susceptible to disabling injuries. Topical administration of CBD was tolerated well by this population and resulted in only minor adverse effects. As elite athletes are trained and attuned to assess their own bodies due to their professional lives, this population is likely to detect tolerability concerns. However, this study was limited to a convenience sample and self-reported data. These pilot findings warrant further study of topical CBD in randomized and controlled studies of elite athletes.

Testing the suitability for coastal green areas of three ornamental shrub species through physiological responses to the saline nebulization

Besides abiotic constraints, plants along the coastal urban areas must face additional cues such as saline aerosol, which impact net plant CO2 assimilation (Pn), reducing biomass and influencing their aesthetic features. In this study, three species (Photinia × fraseri, P; Escallonia rubra, E; and Feijoa sellowiana, F) were subjected to saline nebulization (SN) with a 100 mM NaCl solution. Analyses were performed at 0, 10, and 20 days by monitoring the ion accumulation in plant organs, leaf osmotic potentials, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll contents. Overall, E-SN plants absorbed more Na+ and Cl− in leaves than P-SN and F-SN ones. This phenomenon was influenced by leaf ‘wettability’ features such as the contact angle of water droplets, droplet retention, and water storage capacity, and the effectiveness of translocating these ions on twig tissues. SN increased the leaf osmotic potential (regardless of species). At 10 days (i.e., moderate stress conditions), Pn declined in all SN species, but more severely (−82 %) in E-SN plants. The observed Pn reductions were due to different limiting factors according to the plant species: Pn was reduced by non-stomatal limitations in P-SN plants, stomatal closure in F-SN, and a combination of both in E-SN individuals. At 20 days (i.e., severe stress conditions), in all SN-plants, lower values in all the physiological parameters than controls were observed, indicating a low tolerance to prolonged SN. The work shows that non-destructive physiological measurements provide a reliable assessment of plant tolerance to SN, which can help growers to select ornamental species suitable for coastal green areas.

Phenotyping drought tolerance and yield performance of barley using a combination of imaging methods

Drought resistance represents a complex of traits that are differently employed depending on drought type, severity and timing. Hence, a relatively comprehensive assessment of morphological and physiological phenotypic response to drought is required. We evaluated the dynamic responses of six barley genotypes, representing a wide range of drought tolerance, to continuous drying and re-watering using non-invasively measured parameters based on red-green-blue (RGB), thermal infrared and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging within an automated phenotyping platform. We identified three critical points in drought progress: i) 50% level of available soil water, ii) wilting point, iii) full plant recovery after re-watering. However, the individual monitored parameters showed the potential to evaluate drought sensitivity at different points since the onset of drying. The correlation with relative yield response gradually increased for the side projected leaf area (SPA) and reached the maximum at the point of full recovery. The actual quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) showed the highest correlation with a relative grain yield around wilting point. In contrast, the relative leaf temperature difference demonstrated a high correlation with yield response earlier, at 50% of available water. The highest correlations with the relative yield response were obtained for the colour RGB analysis at the wilting point and after recovery, particularly for khaki, beige, dark-green and olive-green colours. Multiple regression with parameters providing Pearson’s correlation coefficient R > 0.5 slightly improved the estimation of relative yield response to drought but ensured significant improvement of absolute grain yield estimation under drought stress. This study shows that combining the phenotyping methods representing different morphological and physiological traits allows not only the assessment of drought tolerance (based on relative yield response to drought) which is crucial for selecting the genetic resources for the subsequent breeding process but also allows to test the yield performance of new genotypes under drought stress.

Effects of acute and chronic nicotine administration on probability discounting.

Nicotine use is a continuing public health concern. Smokers are more likely to make risky or maladaptive decisions compared to nonsmokers, so the relation between nicotine and risky choice warrants further investigation. Risky choice can be operationally defined as the choice for a larger, uncertain reinforcer over a smaller, certain reinforcer and can be assessed through a probability-discounting procedure. Acute nicotine administration has been shown to alter risky choice, but because the everyday smoker uses nicotine repeatedly, more research on chronic administration is needed and would allow for assessment of tolerance or sensitization of any effects. The present study examined effects of acute and repeated nicotine administration on probability discounting. Sprague-Dawley rats were used as subjects and the probability-discounting task involved discrete-trial choices between a small, certain reinforcer and a larger, uncertain reinforcer. The probability of larger-reinforcer delivery decreased across blocks within each session. Acute nicotine (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) administration dose-dependently increased risky choice, increased lose-stay ratios (a measure of response perseveration), and decreased reinforcement frequency. Tolerance to nicotine's effects on larger-reinforcer choice was observed after repeated 1.0 mg/kg nicotine administration. The results of the present study add to the existing literature that acute nicotine administration increases risky choice and demonstrates that tolerance to this effect develops after chronic exposure to the drug. Possible behavioral mechanisms behind this effect are discussed, as are suggestions for future research on nicotine and risky choice.

Safety and tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in heart failure patient with reduced ejection fraction

BackgroundAngiotensin receptor blocker and a neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) has emerged as an innovative therapy for patients of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in patient with HFrEF in Pakistani population.MethodsThis proof-of-concept, open label non-randomized clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary care cardiac center of Karachi, Pakistan. Patients with HFrEF were prescribed with Sacubitril/Valsartan and followed for 12 weeks for the assessment of safety and tolerability. Safety measures included incidence of hypotension, renal dysfunction, hyperkalemia, and angioedema.ResultsAmong the 120 HFrEF patients, majority were male (79.2%) with means age of 52.73 ± 12.23 years. At the end of 12 weeks, four (3.3%) patients died and eight (6.7%) dropped out of the study. In the remaining 108 patients, 80.6% (87) of the patients were tolerant to the prescribed dose. Functional class improved gradually with 75.0% (81) in class I and 24.1% (26) in class II, and only one (0.9%) patient in class III at the end of 12 weeks. Hyperkalemia remains the main safety concern with incidence rate of 21.3% (23) followed by hypotension in 19.4% (21), and renal dysfunction in 3.7% (4) of the patients.ConclusionsSacubitril/Valsartan therapy in HFrEF patients is safe and moderately tolerated among the Pakistani population. It can be used as first line of treatment for these patients.Trial registrationNCT05387967. Registered 24 May 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05387967

Tolerability and efficacy assessment of an oral collagen supplement for the improvement of biophysical and ultrasonographic parameters of skin in middle eastern consumers.

Topical skin care products often do not reach the deeper layers of the skin, and oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness in Middle Eastern consumers. It was a 12-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and 2 men) aged 44.15 ± 5.36 years with skin type III-IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5, and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as 4 weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants' satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects. A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5, and skin friction at week 12 (p-values 0.041, 0.012 and <0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the persistence of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (p-value=0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported. The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well-tolerated.

Durability of Efficacy and Safety of Roflumilast Cream 0.3% in Adults With Chronic Plaque Psoriasis From a 52-Week, Phase 2 Open-Label Safety Trial

Background: Roflumilast cream is a potent phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor recently approved in the United States for treatment of plaque psoriasis with no limitations on duration of use. An open-label trial was conducted to evaluate long-term safety (52 weeks) of once-daily roflumilast cream (NCT03764475). This abstract presents data on durability of response as measured by the percentage of patients with an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of Clear or Almost Clear, percentage improvement in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score, and reduction in body surface area (BSA) affected. Methods: Patients who completed a parent, phase 2b, 12-week randomized controlled trial could continue on open-label roflumilast cream 0.3% (Cohort-1, n=230), and patients naïve to roflumilast were also enrolled (Cohort-2, n=102). All psoriasis lesions (except scalp) were treated, including face and intertriginous areas for up to 52 weeks. If affected, palms and soles were treated, but not evaluated towards any efficacy assessments. Median duration of response was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: With cumulative treatment up to 64 weeks in Cohort-1 and 52 weeks in Cohort-2, long-term safety and tolerability were consistent with the 12-week, phase 2b study. Overall, 73.5% of patients completed the study; 3.9% discontinued due to adverse events (AE) and 0.9% discontinued due to lack of efficacy. Treatment-related AEs were reported in 2.7% patients; none were deemed serious. Investigator tolerability assessments at each visit demonstrated 99% of patients rated “no evidence of irritation.” At Week 52, IGA Success (demonstrating Clear/Almost Clear plus 2-grade improvement from baseline) was achieved by 34.8% of patients in Cohort-1 and 39.5% in Cohort-2. Of patients in Cohort-2, 40% of patients achieved IGA success at week 12. IGA Clear/Almost Clear was achieved by 46.8% of patients across both cohorts at week 12 and consistent through week 52 (44.8%). Similarly, a 60.5% mean PASI improvement and 60.1% mean BSA improvement from baseline were observed at week 12 and consistent through week 52 (59.4% and 63.3%, respectively). Of the 185 patients who achieved IGA Clear/Almost Clear during the open-label trial, the median durability of IGA of Clear/Almost Clear was 10 months (40.1 weeks). Among patients who achieved an IGA of Clear or Almost Clear, 50% maintained Clear or Almost Clear status for at least 10 months. Conclusions: In this long-term safety study, roflumilast cream was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with the parent Ph2b trial, and effectively maintained clear/almost clear skin with no tachyphylaxis observed. Sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Abstract OT3-08-01: A phase 1 trial of LOXO-783, a potent, highly mutant-selective, brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor in PIK3CA H1047R-mutant advanced breast cancer (aBC) and other solid tumors (PIKASSO-01, trial in progress)

Abstract Background: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) H1047R mutations are activating oncogenic events that occur in ~15% of breast cancers (BC). Available PI3Kα inhibitors target both wild-type (WT) and mutant PI3Kα and, as a result, their efficacy may be limited by on-target WT PI3Kα-mediated toxicities, including hyperglycemia, skin rash, and diarrhea. LOXO-783 is an oral, potent and highly mutant-selective, brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor. Preclinically, LOXO-783 is highly selective for PI3Kα H1047R over WT PI3Kα and other PI3K isoforms and induces single-agent tumor regressions in ER+, HER2- PI3Kα H1047R-mutant BC models without causing hyperglycemia or increases in plasma insulin/C-peptide. LOXO-783 also demonstrates brain penetration in vivo with dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in brain metastasis models. This trial investigates LOXO-783 alone and in combination with other anticancer therapies in patients with PIK3CA H1047R-mutant aBC and other solid tumors. Trial Design: This global, first-in-human phase 1a/b study of LOXO-783 includes dose escalation of LOXO-783 monotherapy followed by dose expansion of LOXO-783 alone and in combination with other anticancer therapies (Table). Monotherapy dose escalation will be evaluated using a modified toxicity probability interval-2 (mTPI-2) design. In dose expansion (Parts A-E), each combination cohort will include a safety lead-in of 3-6 patients. Men and premenopausal women with ER+ aBC must receive concomitant treatment with a GnRH agonist. An optional pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker sub-study will be conducted at select dose levels during dose escalation in patients with ER+, HER2- aBC with soft tissue disease amenable to safe repeat tumor biopsies. Eligibility criteria: Eligible patients must have PIK3CA H1047R-mutant aBC or other solid tumors with measurable disease or non-measurable bone-only disease (aBC patients only). In dose escalation, patients may have received up to 5 prior regimens. In dose expansion, prior therapy requirements are outlined in the Table below. Key exclusion criteria include prior inhibitor(s) of PI3K/AKT/mTOR (except in dose escalation or in select patients with prior intolerance of these inhibitors), colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer with concurrent PI3K/AKT/mTOR and/or RAS/RAF alterations and diabetes mellitus (DM) requiring medication (except in Part C). Study objectives: Recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) determination; safety and tolerability assessment, PK and PD evaluation, objective response rate and clinical benefit rate assessment per RECIST v1.1. Recruitment is ongoing (PIKASSO-01, NCT05307705). Table. Dose Expansion (Phase 1b) Citation Format: Dejan Juric, Komal Jhaveri, Muralidhar Beeram, Erika Hamilton, Vincent Chau, Matthew P. Hanley, Shiyao Liu, Lillian M. Smyth, Funda Meric-Bernstam. A phase 1 trial of LOXO-783, a potent, highly mutant-selective, brain-penetrant allosteric PI3Kα H1047R inhibitor in PIK3CA H1047R-mutant advanced breast cancer (aBC) and other solid tumors (PIKASSO-01, trial in progress) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr OT3-08-01.