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Regressive dynamics of vegetation of Setif high plains : erosion of plant diversity in djebel Youssef (Algeria). The extensive degradation of the vegetation of djebel Youssef (Setif High Plains) is mainly due to the anthropozoic action, worsened by very constraining climatic conditions, including recurrent periods of droughts. The flora and vegetation of this mountain had not been previously studied. Surveys that we have undertaken show the presence of a relatively rich and varied flora. To follow the evolution of the flora and vegetation, we conducted a diachronic study of 10 years. Results presented in this paper are the first observations for the decade 2000-2010. Regression of vegetation was accompanied by depletion of phanerophytes and proliferation of therophytes. At a very advanced dematorralization already succeeded a steppe, resulting from an extensive therophytization highlighted by the analysis of biological spectra. The flora is thus constituted by 70 % therophytes and marked by the scarcity of phanerophytes (7 %). The relative importance of desert species (over 12 % of the saharan-arabic species), indicates the progressive aridity of the region., La dégradation très avancée de la végétation du djebel Youssef (hautes plaines sétifiennes) est due essentiellement à l’action anthropozoïque, aggravée par des conditions climatiques très contraignantes, notamment des périodes de sécheresse récurrentes. La flore et la végétation de ce massif n’avaient fait l’objet jusqu’ici d’aucune étude scientifique. Les prospections que nous avons entreprises font ressortir la présence d’une flore relativement riche et variée. Du fait de l’absence de travaux floristiques, nous nous sommes proposé de suivre l’évolution de la flore et de la végétation à partir d’une étude diachronique de 10 années. Les résultats que nous présentons dans ce travail constituent le fruit des premières observations pour la décennie 2000-2010. La régression de la végétation s’est accompagnée de la raréfaction des ligneux et de la prolifération des thérophytes. À une dématorralisation déjà très poussée a succédé une steppisation, résultat d’une importante thérophytisation mise en lumière par l’analyse des spectres biologiques. La flore est ainsi constituée par 70 % de thérophytes et marquée par la rareté des phanérophytes (7 %). L’importance relative des espèces désertiques, plus de 12 % des espèces relevant surtout de l’élément saharo-arabique, dénote l’aridification progressive de la région., Chermat Sabah,Djellouli Yamna,Gharzouli Rachid. Dynamique régressive de la végétation des hautes plaines Sétifiennes : érosion de la diversité floristique du djebel Youssef (Algérie). In: Revue d'Écologie (La Terre et La Vie), tome 68, n°1, 2013. pp. 85-100.

Introduction Recently, progress has been made in the treatment of patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Nevertheless, patients failing hypomethylating agents (HMA) have a dismal prognosis and very limited treatment options. Targeting CD123 on leukemic stem cells (LSC) is one promising approach in MDS and AML. Talacotuzumab (TAL, JNJ-56022473) is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting CD123 preferentially via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by natural killer cells (NKs). Aim The SAMBA trial, a phase II study of the German and French MDS study groups within the EMSCO network assessed the overall hematological response rate after 3 months of single agent TAL treatment in AML or HR MDS patients failing hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Methods TAL was given IV at a dose of 9 mg/kg once every two weeks for a total of 6 infusions, responders received up to 20 additional infusions. After the first 3 months, overall hematological response rate (either CR, PR, marrow-CR, HI, SD) was evaluated by bone marrow biopsy. The study was accompanied by an immune monitoring via flow cytometric analysis to investigate the distribution of T- and NK cells in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) at the time of screening and during therapy in comparison with healthy, age-matched controls. Results 24 patients (19 AML and 5 HR MDS) with a median age of 77 (range 71-90) years, who either failed to achieve complete- (CR), partial response (PR), hematological improvement (HI) or relapsed after HMA therapy were included in the study. After TAL administration, 14 patients could be assessed for response after 4 infusions and 10 patients after 6 infusions. The overall response rate (ORR) was 20.8% including 1 complete remission (CRi), 1 patient with hematologic improvement (HI-E) and additionally 3 patients with disease stabilization. The median duration of response in these patients was 3 months (range 3-14 months). Two patients are still on treatment, one patient despite losing objective response (14 months) and one patient with disease stabilization (13 months). The median overall survival for the entire cohort of patients was 3.2 months (range 0.4-11.2 months). In 10 patients (41.6%), therapy with TAL resulted in grade 3/4 infusion related side effects (pneumonia, n=1; infusion-related reaction, n=8; septic shock, n=1). Before treatment initiation, patients had lower levels of CD56dim NK-cells in PB (82% vs. 89% of NK-cells; p=0.069) expressing significantly more inhibiting NK-cell receptors like KIR2DL2 (8.8% vs. 3.2% of NK-cells; p We could not detect any difference in NK-cell levels in responding patients compared to non-responders. Interestingly, pre-treatment expression (MFI and percentage) of CD123 on immature myeloid derived suppressor cells (iMDSC) was higher in responders than in non-responders (p Conclusion Single agent TAL has limited efficacy in patients with advanced myeloid malignancies failing HMA. Expression of CD123 on immature MDSCs might serve as a biomarker of response for future anti-CD123 targeted approaches. Disclosures Götze: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; JAZZ Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Other: Travel aid ASH 2017. Krönke:Celgene: Honoraria. Middeke:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Fenaux:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding. Schlenk:Pfizer: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Ades:JAZZ: Honoraria; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; silent pharma: Consultancy; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Platzbecker:Celgene: Research Funding.

Background :AZA improves overall survival (OS) in higher risk MDS, but only 50-60% of the patients respond, and median OS with AZA is only 20-24 months. As OS improvement is obtained at modest response rates, OS rather than response should probably remain the primary endpoint for all combinations with AZA, requiring large phase III trials with significant follow up. On the other hand, combinations that do not increase response will likely not improve OS. We therefore tested, based on a "pick the winner" approach, AZA combinations with the HDAC inhibitor VPA, LEN or IDA to identify, based on response, the most promising combination with AZA in higher risk MDS, that could be subsequently compared with AZA alone in a larger phase III study. Methods : AZA-PLUS (#NCT01342692)was an adaptive two-stage phase II trial based on Jung design (Stat Med.2008;27:568) that randomly assigned higher-risk MDS, low blast count AML (20-30%) and CMML to: AZA (75 mg/m2/d d1-7 of 28-day cycles); AZA plus LEN (10 mg/d on d1-14); AZA plus VPA( 50 mg/kg/d on d1-7; 35 mg/kg/d in patients> 60y) or AZA plus IDA (10 mg/m2on d1 for the first 9 cycles). The primary end point was response rate (RR, including CR, PR, marrow CR, based on IWG 2006) of the combination arms vs AZA alone. Given a 30% RR with AZA alone, we considered that a ≥45% RR would make combination(s) promising. Controlling for type I and type II errors at 0.15 and 0.20, 40 patients per arm were to be enrolled at each stage. Any experimental arms with RR lower than those observed in the AZA arm at the first stage should be stopped. At the second stage, any arm with > 6 more responses than AZA alone should be selected for further testing. Secondary endpoint were ORR (RR+ stable disease with HI (HI) and OS. Results : After inclusion of 40 pts/arm (first stage) all experimental arms had at least the same number of responses as the control arm and were continued in second stage. Overall, 322 pts were enrolled from 06/2011 to 07/2017: 81, 80, 80, 81 in the AZA, AZA+VPA, AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced across arms. Median age was 74.6 y, 213 pts were male, IPSS was INT-2 in 54% and High in 46%. IPSS Karyotype was fav, int and poor in 40%, 26% and 34%, respectively. Pts received a median of 7 cycles and median follow-up was 15.1 months. Prevalence of trial discontinuation due to adverse events was 32%, 29%, 28% and 31% in the AZA , AZA+VPA , AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively (p=0.95). Rates of hospitalization during the first 6 cycles were 38%, 44.7% , 55.1%, 59.7% in the AZA, AZA +VPA, AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively (p=0.028), suggesting increased myelosuppression in the experimental arms, especially in the LEN and IDA arm. In the control arm, 29 responses (CR+PR+mCR) after 6 cycles were observed, with 29, 25 and 29 responses observed in AZA+VPA , AZA+LEN and AZA+IDA arms, respectively. Thus, no combination demonstrated benefit over AZA. The RR was estimated at 34.8% (18.6% CR, 3.1% PR, and 13.0% mCR) and the ORR after 6 cycles was 40.4%. The RR after 6 cycles (35.8% for AZA, 36.2% for AZA+VPA, 31.2% for AZA+LEN, and 35.8% for AZA+IDA) and the ORR after 6 cycles (41.9% for AZA; 41.2% for AZA+VPA, 40.0% for AZA+LEN and 38.3% for AZA+IDA) were close across study arms. By multivariate analysis, factors associated with better ORR were higher Hb level (p=0.05), low fibrinogen (p=0.008) and low LDH (p=0.01). 17 (5%) pts were bridged to allogeneic SCT: 6 on AZA, 5 on AZA+VPA, none in the AZA+LEN arm and 6 on AZA+IDA arm (p=0.03). At the reference date of July 2018, median EFS was 16.6 months for in AZA, 14.5 months for in AZA+VPA, 15.1 months for in AZA+LEN and 13.2 months for in AZA+IDA (p=0.74) (Fig A). Multivariable Cox model selected Hb level (p=0.02), presence of circulating blasts (p Conclusion : Although OS differences may occur with longer follow up, the combination of VPA, LEN or IDA to AZA did not improve response or OS over AZA alone and worsened myelosuppression. With newer, potentially more potent drugs that can be combined with AZA, the "pick the winner " approach may still be useful to select promising combinations based on response in phase II trials. Molecular data of the pt cohort will be presented at the meeting. Figure. Figure. Disclosures Ades: silent pharma: Consultancy; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; JAZZ: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Laribi:Novartis: Other: Grant and personal fees; Sandoz: Other: Grant; Teva: Other: Grant; Hospira: Other: Grant; Takeda: Other: Grant and personal fees; Roche: Other: Grant; Amgen: Other: Personal fees; Gilead: Other: Personal fees. Stamatoullas:Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Cambridge, MA, USA: Consultancy. Beyne-Rauzy:Novartis: Research Funding. Cluzeau:MENARINI: Consultancy; CELGENE: Consultancy; JAZZ PHARMA: Consultancy. Quesnel:Sunesis: Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Celyad: Honoraria. Fenaux:Jazz: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) remain the first-line treatment of anemia in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) without 5q deletion. A preliminary report suggested that adding all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to ESAs may improve their erythroid response, particularly in patients with high endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) level, and may improve other cytopenias. We conducted a prospective multicenter study of EPO-beta and ATRA in anemic MDS patients with marrow blasts10% and either previous ESA failure or relapse, endogenous EPO500 U/l or other cytopenia(s) (absolute neutrophilic count1.0 G/l or platelets50 G/l). A total of 59 patients were evaluable after 12 weeks of treatment. The erythroid response rates according to IWG 2000 and 2006 criteria, respectively, were as follows: overall: 49 and 36%; patients with previous ESA failure (n=28): 43 and 32%; patients with endogenous EPO500 U/l (n=18): 11 and 19%; patients transfused2 red blood cells units/month (n=28) 43 and 39%. Only one neutrophil, but no platelet response, and no major side effect were observed. EPO-beta-ATRA combination appears a possible therapeutic option in anemia of MDS having failed an ESA alone, but not in patients with high endogenous EPO level, and does not improve neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.

Corrosion-Electrochemical behavior of a commercial API5CT grade L80 type 13Cr tubing enriched with microalloying elements is studied in 6, 7.5, 9, 12 and 15% HCl solutions by electrochemical methods. The objective is to contribute to the comprehension of corrosion phenomena caused by HCl of similar concentrations, generally used in acidizing job. The corrosion morphology is examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with EDAX. The soluble corrosion products are analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and colorimetric methods. General, as well as localized, corrosion is present. The severest general corrosion with a maximum rate of 26 mm/year is obtained at 15% HCl. The localized corrosion which morphologically differs as function of HCl concentrations is revealed by SEM investigation. In all the above HCl solutions, the commercial 13% Cr martensitic stainless steel tubing shows no passive state. Above 6% HCl, the microalloying elements promote forming a discontinuous film of the corrosion products. The corrosion rate slightly decreases in 15% HCl compared to the published data on a conventional 13% Cr martensitic stainless steel tubing. This is due to both the chemical composition (silicon, manganese and vanadium) and microstructural properties. Copper seems to additionally accelerate the corrosion of the alloy.

Background: Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) have become the reference treatment of higher risk MDS, but the median survival of about 2 years obtained with AZA remains modest, and median survival after HMA failure is only about 6 months (Prébet et al, JCO 2011). Guadecitabine (GDAC, SGI-110) is a novel HMA dinucleotide of Decitabine and deoxyguanosine, administered SC, which results in extended DAC exposure. In a phase I-II study in AML (Issa, Lancet Oncol, 2015) a dose of 60mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days was recommended. We designed a national multicenter phase II study evaluating the efficacy of GDAC in higher-risk MDS patients, refractory or relapsing after AZA (NCT02197676). Methods: Main inclusion criteria were (1) IPSS int-2 or high MDS, or CMML with WBC < 13 G/l and marrow blasts > 10%, or AML with 20-30% marrow blasts (2) Refractory to 6 cycles of AZA or relapsing after response, but without overt progression (i.e., greater than doubling of marrow blasts compared to pre AZA values) (3) Age ≥ 18 years (4) Normal liver and renal functions. Patients received GDAC 60mg/m2/d x5 d every 28 d until progression, death or no response after 6 cycles (extended to 9 cycles after the 20 first pts). Global DNA methylation was assessed at baseline and on d 8, 15, 22 and 28 of cycle 1 in blood, and on d 28 of cycles 1 , 3 and 6 in BM and blood ,using bisulfite-converted DNA followed by pyrosequencing technology measuring 3 representative CpG sites of the LINE-1 promoter region. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed on June 2016, with a median FU of 9.6 months Results: Between Aug 2014 and Jan 2016, 56 pts from 13 centers were enrolled, M/F: 37/19, median age 75 years [IQR, 69-76]. 15 patients had primary resistance after 6 cycles of AZA, and 41 patients had relapsed after a response and a median of 13 AZA cycles [IQR 9.75-23]). 15 pts had IWG 2006 progression between onset of AZA and inclusion. At inclusion, WHO classification was RCMD in 2 pts, CMML in 1 pt, RAEB-1 in 11 pts, RAEB-2 in 31 pts and AML in 11 pts; . IPSS was int-1, int-2 and high in 4 (6%), 27 (50%) and 23 (42%) pts, resp. (2NA), and R-IPSS was low, int., high and very high in 1 (2%), 3 (6%), 13 (26%), and 34 (60.7%) pts resp (5NA). 43 (77%) pts were RBC transfusion-dependent (TD) and ECOG was >1 in 5 (9%) pts. The average baseline LINE-1 methylation level in the 45 pts evaluated was 73% in blood and 72% in BM. One pt died before any treatment, and 55 patients received at least one cycle of GDAC, with a median of 3 cycles [IQR, 2-5.5]. 9 pts responded (8 after 3 cycles) with 1 (3%) CR, 2 (5%) CRp, 5 (14%) marrow CR and 1 HI; ie an ORR of 16% (95%CI, 8-28%). Responses were seen in 4/15 (26.6%) primary refractory, and in 5/41 (12.2%) relapsing patients (p=NS). On average, the maximum LINE-1 demethylation occurred during the first cycle on day 8 in blood (median -11.3%), and on day 28 in BM (median -3.1%). Median duration of response was 9 months including so far 2 responses ≥ 1 year (12 and 18 months). 49 SAE occurred in 44 pts, and were mostly hematological, with myelosupression in 35/56 (63%) of pts 49 patients ended the study, because of progression (n=20), death (n=14), investigator or patient decision (n= 8), toxicities (n= 6) and pt withdrawal (n=1). Median OS from inclusion was 6.7 months (IC95% [5.6-11.8]). 33 pts had died, because of MDS progression in 14 (42%), infection in 13 (39.3%), bleeding in 1 (3%), and other causes in 5 (15%) pts (2 UK, 2 general deterioration, 1 heart attack). No significant prognostic factor of response to GDAC, including age, sex, ECOG, TD, baseline Hb, platelet, ANC, marrow blast %, cytogenetics, IPSS, IPSS-R, type of AZA failure (primary or secondary), LINE1 baseline methylation or demethylation rate was found. OS was significantly shorter in pts with high IPSS (HR=2.1, 95%CI, 1.04-4.20, p=0.04), and with very poor IPSS-R cytogenetics (HR=4.3, 95%CI, 2.0-9.1, p=0.0015), the latter remaining prognostic in multivariate analysis. Using the recent prognostic model for MDS pts having failed HMA (Nazha et al, hematologica 2016), that includes ECOG>1, very poor cytogenetics, age, marrow blasts >20%, TD, platelets Conclusion: Response rates with GDAC, in this population of higher risk MDS, CMML or low blast count AML with failure to AZA (and often with IWG 2006 progression) were modest. Tolerance was similar to that of conventional HMA treatment. Disclosures Beyne-Rauzy: Celgene, Novartis: Honoraria. Park:Novartis: Research Funding. Jueliger:astex: Employment. Bevan:astex: Employment. Ades:Celgene, Takeda, Novartis, Astex: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Fenaux:Celgene, Janssen,Novartis, Astex, Teva: Honoraria, Research Funding.

The social interaction test was used to examine the effects of an extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) and its possible interactions with diazepam and ethyl beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (beta-CCE). Pairs of naive (unfamiliar) male Wistar AF rats subjected to the same treatment were placed in a novel test arena that was brightly illuminated, and the duration (in s) of social contact was observed over a 10 min period. Single injections of EGb 761 (8-16 mg/kg, i.p.), given 30 min prior to testing, or repeated oral administration of the extract (48 or 96 mg/kg/day) for 8 days, significantly decreased social contact under conditions that did not influence locomotor activity. Injection of diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.), 30 min before testing, significantly increased social contact. Injection of diazepam to animals that had received repeated oral treatment with EGb 761 (96 mg/kg/ day) increased social interaction to an extent greater than observed with diazepam alone. Injection of beta-CCE (2-16 mg/kg, i.p.), 15 min before testing, significantly decreased social contact. When the animals were treated with EGb 761 (48 or 96 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 8 days) and beta-CCE (4 mg/kg), both of which decreased social interaction when administered alone, the resulting level of social contact was similar to that of control animals. Interactions with certain sites of central GABAA/ benzodiazepine/Cl- channel receptor complexes could be involved in mediating these effects of EGb 761, diazepam and beta-CCE.

The frequency and correlates of sexual behavioral changes in Alzheimer disease (AD) were assessed in two studies. In the first study, we reviewed the medical records of 135 consecutive community-living patients who fit the criteria of the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer Disease and Related Disorders Association for probable or possible AD, and we asked spouses to complete a questionnaire that included two questions about sexual activity. Indifference to sexual activity was reported by 70% of the spouses, and sexual behavioral modifications were reported by 50%. No correlation was found between sexual changes and the general characteristics of the patients, the severity of the disease, or depressive symptomatology. Sexual changes were correlated to the severity of behavioral and mood disorders, mainly to a reduction of activity and emotional deficit. Seventy-seven of the patients had a second examination after an interval of 18.9 +/- 9.9 months. The links between sexual changes and the other variables were similar to those found by the first examination. In the second study, a questionnaire was sent by mail to the spouses of 100 patients. No relationship was found between sexual changes and the severity of cognitive deficits, previous sexual agreement, age, or gender. Sexual changes were considered a factor of maladjustment for the couple by 46% of the spouses.

Background: Hypomethylating agents, especially AZA, have become the reference treatment of higher risk MDS, but the median survival of about 2 years obtained with AZA remains modest, and must be further improved. In addition, AZA yields only about 30% of marrow responses (including CR+PR+marrow CR). Intensive chemotherapy combining Idarubicin (IDA) and AraC yields 30 to 50 % CR in higher risk MDS (Beran and all, cancer 2001) and IDA, as single agent, induces about 30% CR in elderly AML patients (Carella, haematologica 1990). We designed a phase I/II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the combination of AZA and IDA (1 day during each AZA cycle) in higher risk MDS patients (NCT01305135). Methods: Main Inclusion criteria were: (1) IPSS int-2 or high MDS, or CMML with WBC < 13 G/l and marrow blasts > 10%, or AML with 20-30% marrow blasts (2) Age ≥ 18 years (3) Performance Status (PS) Results: Between Dec 2010 and Jan 2014, 41 patients (from 13 centers) were enrolled, including 13 women and 28 men with a median age of 74 years [IQR 70; 76]. At inclusion, WHO classification was RCMD in 1 pt, CMML in 2 pts, RAEB-1 in 10 pts, RAEB-2 in 13 pts, AML in 12 pts and unclassified MDS in 3 pts. Median marrow blast % was 9.5 [IQR: 6-19.9] and karyotype according to IPSS was favorable in 12 (29%), intermediate in 9 (22%) and unfavorable in 18 pts (44%) (2 cytogenetic failures). IPSS was int-2 and high in 56% and 44%, respectively. PS was 0 in 39%, 1 in 55% and 2 in 6% pts. 10 patients received 5 mg/m2 of idarubicin (cohort 1) and 31 received 10 mg/m2 (cohort 2). 375 cycles of AZA were administered (219 of them with AZA+IDA, as IDA was used only for the first 9 cycles), with a median number of 6 cycles/patient (median 6 in the IDA 5 mg/m2 cohort and 4 in the 10 mg/m2 cohort (p=0.9). Of the 41 patients enrolled, 20(48.8%, 95%CI: 32.9-64.9) achieved response (6 CR, 7 PR, 4 mCR and 3 stable disease with HI) with no difference between the two cohorts (50% vs 48%) and a marrow response rate (CR + PR + mCR) of 41,5%. Thirteen of the 22 patients with abnormal karyotype were evaluable for cytogenetic response: 5 achieved cytogenetic response (4 complete, 1 partial), 1 in cohort 1 and 4 in cohort 2. With a median follow up of 14 months, 9 of the 20 responders had relapsed. Median response duration was 11 months [3.2-42.7], with no difference between the two cohorts. Median OS was 14.3 months [IC95%: 12.5; NA] and 2y OS was 24.8%, with no significant difference between the 2 cohorts (p=0.43). By univariate analysis no baseline parameter including gender, karyotype, marrow blast %, IPSS and IDA dosage (5 or 10 mg/m2), had any significant impact on response or survival. 45 SAEs were reported in 26 patients, including febrile neutropenia (n=25), bleeding (n=7) and 2 non-clinically significant reductions in left ventricular ejection fraction (1 transient, and 1 persisting without symptoms). The number of infections per cycle [9/85 (10%) in the IDA 5 mg/m2 arm and 38/281 (14%) in the IDA 10 mg/m2 arm] and the number of bleeding events (9% vs 17%) did not significantly differ between the two cohorts. Conclusion: In our experience, Idarubicin (on day 8 of each cycle) can be combined to Azacitidine without any additional toxicity. The marrow response rate obtained with the combination (41.5%) may be higher than with AZA alone. We are currently comparing in higher risk MDS patients this AZA-IDA combination versus AZA alone (and other combinations of AZA with other drugs) in a prospective randomized GFM trial. Disclosures Sebert: Celgene: Research Funding. Fenaux:Celgene: Research Funding.

Background: Azacitidine (AZA) is the current standard of care for patients treated for higher risk MDS, but 40-50% patients do not respond and most responders eventually relapse. Median survival after AZA failure is only 5 months and no standard of care is defined for this population. Preclinical studies and positive results of phase I-II trials support a synergistic effect of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) vorinostat (VOR) and AZA in terms of response, although no survival advantage of the combination has as yet been demonstrated. We hypothesized that adding VOR to AZA in patients with primary or secondary AZA resistance could rescue response and prolong survival. Methods: inclusion criteria inGFM AZAVOR study (NCT 01748240) were: 1/IPSS int 2 or high risk MDS at the time of initiation of AZA 2/treatment with at least 6 cycles of AZA and either failure to achieve any response or loss of response (per IWG2006 criteria) 3/a maximum of 3 months between AZA failure and inclusion with no other treatment in between. Patients received VOR 300mg bid from day 3 to day 9 of each cycle. AZA was given at standard 75mg/m2/d day 1 to 7 or at the maximum previously tolerated dose in case of dose reduction. Patients were evaluated after 6 cycles and responding patients treated until progression. The trial used a two-stage design, and accrual was to be stopped if less than 3 responses were seen in the first 14 evaluable patients. Results 21 patients were included between march 2013 and September 2014. Nineteen patients were treated (1 patient died and 1 progressed before treatment). Median age was 72 years. All pts had higher risk MDS and had received a median of 6 cycles of AZA before entering the trial. The median number of AZA+ VOR cycles administered was 3 (range: 1-12). No unexpected SAEs were seen, and the most common AEs were infection, thrombocytopenia, GI toxicities, and fatigue. After 6 cycles of treatment, only 2 patients (11%) achieved response (1 erythroid hematological improvement, 1 partial remission), , which, per protocol, triggered the stop of accrual. At last follow-up, 18 patients were off study and one patient was still on treatment. Nine patients stopped treatment because of progression (42%), 4 stopped treatment for lack of response (21%), 2 stopped treatment because of intolerance (11%), 1 patient stopped at his request (5%), and 1 patient died of complications of cytopenias while on treatment (5%). Median overall survival was 13 months. Conclusion This is the first report of an add-on study in high risk MDS, a strategy that may be useful for the early evaluation of drugs for which synergy with AZA is expected. Our results show that the proposed regimen of AZA +VOR can be used safely. However, the observed response rate was not above the "background" response rate expected from AZA alone continuation in a comparable patient population, indicating that the addition of VOR cannot reverse resistance to AZA. Disclosures Prebet: CELGENE: Research Funding. Off Label Use: lenalidomide. Wattel:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; PIERRE FABRE MEDICAMENTS: Research Funding; CELGENE: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; NOVARTIS: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; AMGEN: Consultancy, Research Funding. Cony-Makhoul:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Fenaux:Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Research Funding. Vey:Janssen: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

The role of atrial distension and/or adrenergic mechanisms in the regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion, plasma immunoreactive ANP, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) and left atrial diameter at rest, during and after graded bicycle exercise has been studies in 8 healthy male subjects after single doses of placebo, tertatolol 5 mg (a non-selective beta-adrenoceptor blocker), prazosin 1 mg (an alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist) and their combination. Systolic and diastolic left atrial diameters were measured before, during and just after exercise by bidimensional echocardiography. Exercise caused an increase in plasma ANP, which was greater after tertatolol alone, and tertatolol plus prazosin, than after placebo or prazosin alone; the mean area under the plasma ANP concentration curve was increased by 35% after tertatolol alone, by 45% after tertatolol and prazosin compared to placebo, and by 82% and 94%, respectively when compared to prazosin alone. The rise in plasma ANP was more marked during the post-exercise period: 80% after tertatolol alone, 67% after tertatolol and prazosin compared to placebo, and 133% and 115%, respectively, compared to prazosin alone. The rise in plasma ANP was accompanied by an increase in both the systolic and diastolic atrial diameter, which was also significantly greater after tertatolol alone and the combination than placebo, or after prazosin alone. beta-Adrenoceptor blockade alone did not affect the plasma catecholamine concentrations, but the exercise-induced increase in plasma norepinephrine was significantly potentiated by prazosin and by prazosin plus tertatolol, and that of plasma epinephrine by the drug combination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

To evaluate the contribution of atrial distension and/or adrenergic mechanisms in the regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion, plasma immunoreactive ANP, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and left atrial diameter were measured at rest, during, and after graded upright standardised bicycle exercise in 8 healthy male subjects after single-dose administration of placebo, tertatolol (5 mg), prazosin (1 mg), or combination of tertatolol (5 mg) and prazosin (1 mg). Systolic and diastolic left atrial diameters were measured before, during, and just after exercise by bidimensional echocardiography. Exercise raised plasma ANP concentrations. This rise was greater on tertatolol alone and tertatolol and prazosin than on placebo or prazosin alone: mean area under the plasma ANP concentration curve increased by 35% on tertatolol alone, 45% on tertatolol and prazosin when compared with placebo (p0.01), and by 82 and 94%, respectively, when compared with prazosin alone (p0.01). The rise in plasma ANP was greater during the postexercise period: 80% for tertatolol alone, 67% for tertatolol and prazosin when compared with placebo (p0.01) and 133 and 115%, respectively, when compared with prazosin alone (p0.01). The rise in plasma ANP was accompanied by an increase in both systolic and diastolic atrial diameters which was significantly greater on tertatolol alone and on the tertatolol and prazosin combination than on placebo or prazosin alone (p0.001). Beta-blockade alone did not affect plasma catecholamine concentrations but exercise-induced increase in plasma NE was significantly potentiated by prazosin and the prazosin and tertatolol combination, and that of plasma E by the prazosin and tertatolol combination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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Interesting psychotropic properties (psychostimulant, anti-depressant) were shown for a series of 3,4-diarylpiperidines. Optimization of these properties was obtained by Topliss method for determining the structure-activity relationship. Anti-depressant activity with little psychostimulant effect was observed in Mice and Rats with the trans 4-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-phenyl piperidine. Antihypertensive activity was not found among dopamine chained piperidines. Synthesis, relative configuration and conformation, pharmacologic study of 3,4-diarylpiperidines are described.

Resume Des proprietes psychotropes interessantes (psychostimulante, antidepressive) ont ete mises en evidence dans une serie de 3,4-diarylpiperidin-2-ones. L'optimisation de ces proprietes a ete obtenue par la methode de relations structure-activite elaboree par Topliss. Une activite antidepressive accompagnee d'un effet psychostimulant minime a ete observee sur la souris et le rat dans le cas de la 4-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-phenylpiperidin-2-one de configuration trans . Les syntheses des piperidin-2-ones et l'etude pharmacologique sont decrites, la determination de la configuration relative et de la conformation de ces composes a ete effectuee.

A mouse model of barbital-induced narcosis was used to examine the effects of single intraperitoneal injections of an extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761), an extract devoid of terpene trilactones (CP 205), and three terpene trilactone constituents of the extract (ginkgolides A and B, bilobalide). Administration of sodium barbital (180 mg/kg, IP) to the mice caused narcosis, measured as a loss in righting reflex. Single injections of EGb 761 (25 and 50 mg/kg), given 60 min prior to sodium barbital, significantly shortened barbital-induced sleeping time, whereas these same doses of CP 205 were ineffective. Single injections of ginkgolide B (1 mg/kg) and bilobalide (2 and 5 mg/kg) significantly shortened sleeping time, whereas ginkgolide A was ineffective. The effects of ginkgolide B and bilobalide were reflected as increases in latency to onset of sleep and those of EGb 761, ginkgolide B, and bilobalide were correlated with decreases in the number of mice that slept. At the behavioral level, these potent in vivo effects of EGb 761, ginkgolide B, and bilobalide resemble those of certain antidepressants. At the molecular level, it is hypothesized that interactions with the picrotoxinin/TBPT site of GABA-regulated Cl− channels of the CNS may be involved. This information appears useful in explaining the clinically observed “vigilance-enhancing” and “antidepressant-like” actions of EGb 761.

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a platelet activating factor-acether (PAF) antagonist, BN 50730, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).A total of 56 patients with active RA were enrolled in a multicenter, double blind, placebo controlled study of BN 50730. Patients received either BN 50730 (40 mg orally bid) or placebo for 84 days.Treatment with BN 50730 resulted in no improvement and was no more effective than placebo in improving clinical and biological indices of RA activity. Adverse events were observed in the 2 treatment groups, and BN 50730 was generally well tolerated.PAF antagonist BN 50730 at a daily dose of 80 mg was ineffective in the treatment of RA.