Angioscopic evaluation of vascular healing at 1 and 12 months after drug-coated stent implantation

Background

Polymer- and carrier-free Biolimus-A9-coated stent (DCS) is expected better vascular healing compared with conventional durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DES). Moreover, DCS had been demonstrated in clinical trials to allow one-month short dual antiplatelet therapy, which might achieve sufficient healing at only 1 month after implantation. However, the process of vascular healing after DCS implantation has not been elucidated by angioscopic observation.

Purpose

To evaluate the process of vascular healing at 1 month and 12 months after DCS implantation.

Methods

This study included 57 patients treated with DCS or durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (EES) in our hospital from April 2017 to April 2019. Firstly, the angioscopic findings of DCS at 1 month (n=16) and 12 months (n=14) after implantation were respectively compared with EES at 12 months after implantation (EES-12, n=35) as a standard healing status of DES. Secondary, angioscopic findings of DCS at 1 month and 12 months after implantation were compared among the serially observed eight patients. Neointimal coverage (NIC) grade, yellow colour grade, and the presence of thrombus were evaluated. NIC grade was classified as grade 0 (no neointimal coverage), grade 1 (struts were bulged into lumen but covered), grade 2 (struts were embedded in the neointima but visible), or grade 3 (struts were fully embedded and invisible). Yellow colour grade was classified as grade 0 (white), grade 1 (light yellow), grade 2 (yellow), or grade 3 (intensive yellow).

Results

At 1 month after DCS implantation, dominant NIC grade was lower (0.3±0.5 vs. 1.5±0.7, p<0.001) and the frequency of thrombus was higher (38% vs. 6%, p=0.008) than EES-12. On the other hands, at 12 months after DCS implantation, dominant NIC grade was higher (2.1±0.6 vs. 1.5±0.7, p=0.013) and the frequency of thrombus was not different (7% vs. 6%, p=1.000) in comparison with EES-12. By serial observation of DCS, dominant NIC grade was higher at 12 months than at 1 month (2.3±0.5 vs. 0.4±0.5, p<0.001), while yellow colour grade (1.0±0.5 vs. 1.5±1.2, p=0.227) and the frequency of thrombus adhesion (0% vs. 38%, p=0.200) were not different.

Conclusion

Compared with EES-12, vascular healing of DCS was inferior at 1 month but superior at 12 months.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Relativistic magnetic reconnection in laser laboratory for testing an emission mechanism of hard-state black hole system

Magnetic reconnection in a relativistic electron magnetization regime was observed in a laboratory plasma produced by a high-intensity, large energy, picoseconds laser pulse. Magnetic reconnection conditions realized with a laser-driven several kilotesla magnetic field is comparable to that in the accretion disk corona of black hole systems, i.e., Cygnus X-1. We observed particle energy distributions of reconnection outflow jets, which possess a power-law component in a high-energy range. The hardness of the observed spectra could explain the hard-state x-ray emission from accreting black hole systems.

Influence of social interaction on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia over 1 year among long-term care facility residents

This study investigated the effect of social interaction including activity participation, relationships with residents, and communication with family/relatives and friends at baseline on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among long-term care facility residents over 1 year. This follow-up study was conducted among older adult residents with dementia or similar symptoms. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to examine associations between social interaction and changes in the number and severity of BPSD symptoms over 1 year. Among 220 participants, rare participation in activities and poor relationships with other residents at baseline were associated with greater baseline BPSD. Less communication with family/relatives at baseline was associated with increased severity of BPSD over 1 year. Active interaction with family and relatives may prevent progression of BPSD severity among long-term care facility residents for at least 1 year.

Active terahertz time differentiator using piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer array

The rapid growth of information technology is closely linked to our ability to modulate and demodulate a signal, whether in the frequency or in the time domain. Recent demonstrations of terahertz (THz) modulation involve active semiconductor metamaterial surfaces or use of a grating-based micromirror for frequency offset tuning. However, a wideband and active differentiator in the THz frequency band is yet to be demonstrated. Here, we propose a simple method to differentiate a THz pulse by inducing tiny phase changes on the THz beam path using a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer array. We precisely demonstrate that the modulated THz signal detected after the piezoelectric device is proportional to the first-order derivative of the THz pulse. The proposed technique will be able to support a wide range of THz applications, such as peak detection schemes for telecommunication systems.

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the prostate in a young man

INTRODUCTION

Prostate sarcoma is an extremely rare disease with a poor prognosis. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma has never been described in the prostate.Case presentation: A 27-year-old man complained of frequent urination and dysuria for several years. Various examinations were suggestive of prostate sarcoma. The pathological diagnosis was confirmed as prostate sarcoma via ultrasound-guided transrectal needle biopsy. Because the location of the tumor in the prostate was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, we performed robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. The final pathological diagnosis was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Local recurrence occurred at the front of the rectum 2 months after surgery. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy were initially effective, he died 18 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the prostate is believed to have a poor prognosis. When selecting the surgical procedure, functionality should be considered for individual cases with complete resection.

SAT0010 ANTI-CD30 IMMUNOTHERAPY AMELIORATES BONE AND CARTILAGE DESTRUCTION IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN MICE

Background:

CD30 is a member of the TNF-receptor family and commonly expressed on lymphocytes of Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It has been reported that levels of soluble CD30 in serum and joint fluid is significantly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although RA patients may develop lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) as a result of immunosuppression by MTX or bDMARDs, safety medications after the regression of LPD for RA have not yet been established.

Objectives:

To explore the potential of CD30 targeting therapy for RA.

Methods:

(1) Immuno-histological staining of CD30 was performed for fresh synovial tissues of RA and osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, double immunofluorescence staining of CD30 with CD3, CD20, CD68, CD138 were performed on RA synovial tissue. (2) Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E, designed to induce apoptosis of CD30 expressing cells. A multiple myeloma cell line (RPMI8226) was used as a non-lymphoma cell line and plasma cell-like cell line. Immuno-cytological staining for CD30 was performed on RPMI8226. Cells were cultured and harvested on days 0, 1, and 3 to evaluate the effects of BV (50 μl / ml per well). Cytospin specimens were stained by May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) staining for cell counting and by FIFC-terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining for detection of apoptosis. (3) Collagen antibody induced arthritis (CAIA) was induced in DBA/1 mice by arthritogenic cocktail of monoclonal antibodies against type II collagen. BV was administered to the treatment groups (30mg/kg and 70mg/kg n=4 each) and evaluated clinical score, histological findings and levels of SAA, IL-6, and TNFα in serum by ELISA. Student’st-test (two-tailed) was used to determine statistical significance for analysis of synovial tissues and cell line assay. Two way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc analysis was used for multiple comparisons of mice model.

Results:

(1) The number of CD30-positive cells was significantly higher in RA synovial tissue than in OA synovial tissue (p<0.01) (Fig. 1). CD30-positive cells were detected around the lymphoid follicles. Double immunofluorescence showed CD30 and CD138 double-positive cells in the synovial tissue of RA, suggesting CD30 is predominantly expressed by plasma cells. (2) RPMI8226 cells expressed CD30. BV caused apoptosis of RPMI8226 cells, and the number of cells treated with BV decreased to 95% compared to controls. (3) All control mice (n=4) developed severe arthritis, and their scores reached a peak (score: 13.3) on day 10. In the mice of treatment group of 30 mg/kg, paw swelling was slightly decreased, their clinical score reached a peak (score: 9.3) on day 10. In contrast, paw swelling was significantly reduced in the 70 mg/kg treatment group. The peak of the clinical score was 4.3 on day 10 (Fig.2). Histological score evaluated synovitis with infiltration of inflammatory cells, pannus formation, and erosion of bone and cartilage. Histological score of hind paws were 3.0 ± 0.8 for the control group, 2.7 ± 1.0 for 30 mg/kg group, and 0.7 ± 1.1 for 70 mg/kg group (p<0.01), respectively. The serum levels of SAA and IL-6 of treatment group were lower than those of no treatment group (p<0.01).

Conclusion:

We showed the expression of CD30 on synovial tissue of RA and the expression of CD30 on plasma cells. In addition, the current study provides the first evidence that BV depletion of CD30-positive cells suppressed arthritis and osteochondral destruction in CAIA mice. Our results may provide an important clue for the development of an effective treatment for RA with iatrogenic immunodeficiency-related LPD.

Disclosure of Interests:

Minami Matsuhashi: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Yoshihisa Nasu: None declared, Ryuichi Nakahara: None declared, Masahito Watanabe: None declared, Yoshifumi Hotta: None declared, Toshifumi Ozaki: None declared

SAT0068 THE RECENT INCIDENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION AND DELAYED WOUND HEALING AFTER ELECTIVE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERIES FOR PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHO TREATED WITH B/TSDMARDS

Background:

In Japan, Methotrexate (MTX) has been approved in 1999, the first biologic DMARD (bDAMRD) in 2003, and the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been used since 2013. Although it is expected that the recent advancement of drug therapy would contribute the decrease in the incidence of orthopaedic surgeries by preventing structural damages1, 2), we are still facing a considerable number of patients who require surgical interventions3).

Objectives:

To investigate the recent trends of patient’s background who underwent the orthopaedic surgery for rheumatoid arthritis, number of orthopaedic intervention, and the type of the surgery.

Methods:

We reviewed the records of 1569 patients with RA who underwent orthopedic surgeries between 2004 and 2019 in our institution. The mean age of patients was 62.8 (22-88) years-old with disease duration of 20.9 (0.5-64) years. Data of these patients such as age, disease duration, medication (Glucocorticoid; GC, MTX, b/tsDMARD), type of surgeries (total joint replacement; TJR, hand surgery, foot surgery, spine surgery, and others), and preoperative serum CRP level were collected. We analyzed the annual change of these demographic and clinical data. Then, we compared them between CRP negative (<1.5g/l) and CRP positive group. Cochran-Armitage trend test,χ square test, or unpaired T-test was performed for statistical analysis. P <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Among all cases, 426 cases (27.2%) were treated with b/tsDMARDs at the time of operation. MTX and GC were used in 937 cases (59.7%) and 1015 cases (64.7%), respectively. The mean age and disease duration of RA showed an increasing trend, although the CRP level was dramatically decreased during the study period. While the rate of MTX use has not changed significantly (p=0.102), the number of cases treated by b/ts DMARD increased significantly to 46.7% (p<0.001). In contrast, the rate of GC use dicreased significantly (p<0.001). Although the annual number of surgeries have not changed, the proportion of cases who performed TJR decreased dramatically (59.6% in 2011, 29.5% in 2019), and the surgeries for hand and foot increased significantly (p<0.001) (Fig 1). The annual mean preoperative CRP level also decreased from 18.8±1.95 to 4.89±0.81 (Fig2). Compared to CRP positive group (n=1,113), the patients in CRP negative group (n=446) showed significantly younger age(p<0.001), shorter disease duration (p=0.031), lower late of GC use, and a higher rate of b/tsDAMRD use. The proportion of patients who underwent TJR was significantly higher in CRP positive group (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Along with the increasing use of b/tsDMARD, the preoperative disease control of RA, as well as the type of demanded surgeries have dramatically changed.

References:

[1] Yamanaka H, Tanaka E, Nakajima A, et al. A large observational cohort study of rheumatoid arthritis, IORRA: Providing context for today’s treatment options.Mod Rheumatol2020;30:1-6.

[2] Matsumoto T, Nishino J, Izawa N, et al. Trends in Treatment, Outcomes, and Incidence of Orthopedic Surgery in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Observational Cohort Study Using the Japanese National Database of Rheumatic Diseases.J Rheumatol2017;44:1575-82.

[3] Momohara S, Tanaka S, Nakamura H, et al. Recent trends in orthopedic surgery performed in Japan for rheumatoid arthritis.Mod Rheumatol2011;21:337-42.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yoshifumi Hotta: None declared, Yoshihisa Nasu: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Minami Matsuhashi: None declared, Masahito Watanabe: None declared, Ryuichi Nakahara: None declared, Toshifumi Ozaki: None declared

SAT0023 THE ROLE OF ADAM12 UPREGULATED PROLIFERATION OF SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

ADAM12 is a member of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase family and has been reported to participate in the development of a variety of tumors by degrading ECM and shed precursors, thus promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis1). Additionally, ADAM12 is involved in chondrocyte differentiation from osteoarthritis (OA) patients by regulation of TGFβ1-induced IGF-1 and RUNX-2 expressions2). However, there is no report on the role of ADAM12 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objectives:

To investigate the expression and role of ADAM12 in the synovial tissue of RA.

Methods:

(1) The expression of ADAM12 in synovial tissues from RA (18 cases), OA (5 cases) and healthy control (HC) (3 cases) was examined by immunohistochemistry. The synovial tissues of HC were obtained during surgery of hemiarthroplasty for bone tumors. Three researchers evaluated the positive cell ratio. The samples were scored according to the percentage of positive staining: 0 points (weak positive, positive expression was less than 5%), 1 point (moderate positive, positive expression was between 5% and 50%) and 2 points (strong positive, positive expression was greater than 50%). In addition, the samples were scored according to the staining intensity: 0 points (weak intensity), 1 point (moderate intensity) and 2 points (high intensity). (2) The cultured synovial fibroblasts obtained from RA patients at the surgery (RASF) were stimulated by TNFα (1, 5, 10 ng/mL), TGFβ1 (1, 5, 10 ng/mL), PDGF-BB (1, 5, 10 ng/mL) and TNFα+TGFβ1+PDGF-BB (all 10 ng/mL), and the expression levels of ADAM12 relative mRNA was examined by real-time PCR. (3) siADAM12 was transfected in RASF, and the proliferation was examined by WST-1 assay, and the expression of ADAM12 protein was examined by western blotting.

Results:

(1) ADAM12 positive cells were found in synovial lining cells, plasma cells, and vascular endothelial cells. ADAM12 was highly expressed in RA synovial tissues. The immunostaining scores of RA, OA, and HC were 3.9±0.01, 1.9±0.27, and 0.8±0.18, respectively. (2) Stimulation by TNFα, TGFβ1, and PDGF-BB resulted in the upregulation of the expression of ADAM12 relative mRNA in RASF, and TGFβ1 stimulation notably tended to increase the expression by about 5 to 6 times. (3) siADAM12 successfully suppressed the expression of ADAM12 protein and simultaneously suppressed the proliferation of RASF.

Conclusion:

ADAM12 might be involved in the pathogenesis of RA, promoting the cell proliferation of RASF.

References:

[1] Kyeiborg M, Albrechtsen R, Couchman J, et al., Cellular roles of ADAM12 in health and disease, Int J Biochem Cell Biol, 2008

[2] Masahiro H, Keiichiro N, Joe H, et al., Involvement of ADAM12 in Chondrocyte Differentiation by Regulation of TGF-beta1-Induced IGF-1 and RUNX-2 Expressions, Calcif Tissue Int, 2019

Disclosure of Interests:

Masahito Watanabe: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Yoshihisa Nasu: None declared, Ryuichi Nakahara: None declared, Minami Matsuhashi: None declared, Yoshifumi Hotta: None declared, Toshifumi Ozaki: None declared

SAT0047 RISK FACTORS FOR THE POSTOPERATIVE DELAYED WOUND HEALING IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH A BIOLOGICAL AGENT

Background:

It has been suggested that perioperative use of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients carries risks for the surgical-site infection and the delayed wound healing (DWH); however, the risk of DWH with perioperative use of bDMARDs has not reached a general consensus.

Objectives:

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with DWH after orthopedic surgery in RA patients treated with bDMARDs.

Methods:

We reviewed medical records of 277 orthopedic procedures for 188 RA patients treated with bDMARDs between from 2014 to 2017 in Niigata Rheumatic Center. As preoperative nutritional status assessment, we evaluated body mass index (BMI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and CONtrolling NUTritional status (CONUT). In addition, we evaluated DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, face scale for pain, global health (GH), and Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) to assess the disease activity. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factor for DWH.

Results:

The major characteristics of the patients in 277 procedures were mean age of 63.2 years old and mean disease duration of 18.2 years. Surgical site were hand and wrist (145 procedures), foot and ankle (76), hip and knee (31), elbow and shoulder (24), and spine (1). Seventy-four patients were treated with tocilizumab, 62 with etanercept, 55 with golimumab, 49 with abatacept, 16 with infliximab, 15 with adalimumab, and 6 with certolizumab. According to nutritional assessment in PNI and CONUT, 63% (n=175) and 47% (n=130) were normal nourished patients, respectively.

In 277 procedures, DWH were identified in 24 patients (8.6%). The following variables were significant in the univariate analyses: disease duration (OR 1.053; 95% CI 1.010–1.099; p=0.016), foot and ankle surgery (OR 7.091; 95% CI 2.130–23.603; p=0.001), tocilizumab (OR 0.286; 95% CI 0.093–0.881; p=0.029) (Table 1). These variables were entered into a multivariate model, and it was revealed that pre-operative use of tocilizumab (OR 0.265; 95% CI 0.074–0.953; p=0.042) and procedures in the foot and ankle (OR 6.915; 95% CI 1.914–24.976; p=0.003) were associated with an increased risk of DWH (Table 1).

Conclusion:

As previous study on tocilizumab described, the current retrospective study suggested that pre-operative use of tocilizumab and procedures in the foot and ankle were risk factors for DWH. Pre-operative disease activity and nutritional status were not independent risk factors for an increase in the prevalence of DWH.

References:

[1] Momohara S, Hashimoto J, Tsuboi H et al. Analysis of perioperative clinical features and complications after orthopaedic surgery in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with tocilizumab in a real-world setting: Results from the multicentre tocilizumab in perioperative period (TOPP) study. Modern rheumatology. 2013, 23: 440-9.

Disclosure of Interests:

Shunji Okita: None declared, Hajime Ishikawa: None declared, Asami Abe: None declared, Satoshi Ito Speakers bureau: Abbvie,Eisai, Akira Murasawa: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Toshifumi Ozaki: None declared

FRI0523 THE RECENT TREND OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERIES FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS. AN ANALYSIS OF 1569 CASES FROM 2004 TO 2019

Background:

In Japan, Methotrexate (MTX) has been approved in 1999, the first biologic DMARD (bDAMRD) in 2003, and the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been used since 2013. Although it is expected that the recent advancement of drug therapy would contribute the decrease in the incidence of orthopaedic surgeries by preventing structural damages1, 2), we are still facing a considerable number of patients who require surgical interventions3).

Objectives:

To investigate the recent trends of patient’s background who underwent the orthopaedic surgery for rheumatoid arthritis, number of orthopaedic intervention, and the type of the surgery.

Methods:

We reviewed the records of 1569 patients with RA who underwent orthopedic surgeries between 2004 and 2019 in our institution. The mean age of patients was 62.8 (22-88) years-old with disease duration of 20.9 (0.5-64) years. Data of these patients such as age, disease duration, medication (Glucocorticoid; GC, MTX, b/tsDMARD), type of surgeries (total joint replacement; TJR, hand surgery, foot surgery, spine surgery, and others), and preoperative serum CRP level were collected. We analyzed the annual change of these demographic and clinical data. Then, we compared them between CRP negative (<1.5g/l) and CRP positive group. Cochran-Armitage trend test,χ square test, or unpaired T-test was performed for statistical analysis. P <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Among all cases, 426 cases (27.2%) were treated with b/tsDMARDs at the time of operation. MTX and GC were used in 937 cases (59.7%) and 1015 cases (64.7%), respectively. The mean age and disease duration of RA showed an increasing trend, although the CRP level was dramatically decreased during the study period. While the rate of MTX use has not changed significantly (p=0.102), the number of cases treated by b/ts DMARD increased significantly to 46.7% (p<0.001). In contrast, the rate of GC use dicreased significantly (p<0.001). Although the annual number of surgeries have not changed, the proportion of cases who performed TJR decreased dramatically (59.6% in 2011, 29.5% in 2019), and the surgeries for hand and foot increased significantly (p<0.001) (Fig 1). The annual mean preoperative CRP level also decreased from 18.8±1.95 to 4.89±0.81 (Fig 2). Compared to CRP positive group (n=1,113), the patients in CRP negative group (n=446) showed significantly younger age(p<0.001), shorter disease duration (p=0.031), lower late of GC use, and a higher rate of b/tsDAMRD use. The proportion of patients who underwent TJR was significantly higher in CRP positive group (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Along with the increasing use of b/tsDMARD, the preoperative disease control of RA, as well as the type of demanded surgeries have dramatically changed.

References:

[1] Yamanaka H, Tanaka E, Nakajima A, et al. A large observational cohort study of rheumatoid arthritis, IORRA: Providing context for today’s treatment options.Mod Rheumatol2020;30:1-6.

[2] Matsumoto T, Nishino J, Izawa N, et al. Trends in Treatment, Outcomes, and Incidence of Orthopedic Surgery in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Observational Cohort Study Using the Japanese National Database of Rheumatic Diseases.J Rheumatol2017;44:1575-82.

[3] Momohara S, Tanaka S, Nakamura H, et al. Recent trends in orthopedic surgery performed in Japan for rheumatoid arthritis.Mod Rheumatol2011;21:337-42.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yoshifumi Hotta: None declared, Yoshihisa Nasu: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Minami Matsuhashi: None declared, Masahito Watanabe: None declared, Ryuichi Nakahara: None declared, Toshifumi Ozaki: None declared

AB0216 POWER DOPPLER SCORE IS USEFUL TO PREDICT JOINT DESTRUCTION OF HAND AND WRIST JOINT IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Background:

Several studies demonstrated that total power Doppler (PD) signal can predict radiographic progression as a change in total van der Heijde-modified total Sharp score (mTSS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, in some studies, radiographic progression was observed in a different joint compared with the site of a positive PD signal at baseline in many cases.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to identify the clinical factor of RA patients in association with radiographic progression of hands and wrists and to investigate which joint showed radiographic progression in RA patients. We focused on the correlation of the site of a positive PD signal and the site of radiographic progression.

Methods:

We examined retrospectively of 70 RA patients (67 women, three men) who underwent ultrasonography (US) examination at 32 regions on bilateral hands and wrists from 2014 to 2016. Radiographs of the hands were taken at baseline and at least one year after US (mean, 19.9 months), and radiographic progression was assessed using mTSS system. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between baseline factors and radiographic progression. The relationships between radiographic progression of the individual joint and total/each joint PD score were assessed by ROC analysis and Fisher’s exact test.

Results:

Nineteen patients (37.3%) experienced progression of mTSS of hands and wrists. DAS28-CRP (P=0.02) and total PD score (P=0.01) were associated with radiographic progression, and total PD score was significantly associated with radiographic progression (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.36; P=0.006) by multivariate logistic regression analysis (Table 1).

Table 1.

Association between the demographic and clinical findings at baseline and radiographic progression over 12 months

a.univariate analysisNo radiographicprogression(n = 51)Radiographicprogression(n = 19)P-valueAge, years63.4 ± 12.758.1 ± 10.60.61Duration of RA, years24.4 ± 13.620.0 ± 5.00.28Usage of Bio, %42.240.40.57Amount of MTX, mg/week4.8 ± 3.34.5 ± 4.30.77Amount of PSL, mg1.5 ± 2.11.8 ± 2.20.73DAS28-CRP2.5 ± 0.72.9 ± 0.60.02*CRP, mg/dl0.4 ± 0.50.7 ± 0.70.10Total PD score2.4 ± 3.36.6 ± 6.10.01*b.multivariate analysisodds ratio95% CIP-valueDAS28-CRP1.630.72 - 3.710.238Total PD score1.191.04 - 1.360.010*

Predictive performance of total PD score was good for radiographic progression of MCP joint (AUC-ROC 0.91) and wrist joint (AUC-ROC 0.85), although poor for PIP joint (AUC-ROC 0.57).

PD score of wrist joint, MCP joint, and PIP joint were significantly associated with radiographic progression of each joint (P<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of wrist joint PD score were 100%, 57.0%, 8.0%, and 100%, MCP joint PD score were 85.7%, 90.5%, 8.0%, 99.8%, and 8.3%, and PIP joint PD score were 30.0%, 97.2%, 13.6%, and 99.0%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Total PD score of hands and wrists was a strong predictor of radiographic progression, especially in MCP and wrist joint. Evaluation of PD signal in individual joint is a clinically useful method to predict radiographic progression of the same joint, however there are some differences in sensitivity and specificity.

References:

[1]Brown AK, et al. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2008;58:2958-2967.

[2]McQueen F, et al. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2011;70:241-244.

Disclosure of Interests:

Shunji Okita: None declared, Ryuichi Nakahara: None declared, Minami Matsuhashi: None declared, Masahito Watanabe: None declared, Yoshihisa Nasu: None declared, Keiichiro Nishida Grant/research support from: K. Nishida has received scholarship donation from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eisai Co., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and AbbVie GK., Speakers bureau: K. Nishida has received speaking fees from CHUGAI PHARMACEUTICAL Co., Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Eisai Co. and AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corporation., Toshifumi Ozaki: None declared

Extending the Southern Shore of the Island of Inversion to ^{28}F

Detailed spectroscopy of the neutron-unbound nucleus ^{28}F has been performed for the first time following proton/neutron removal from ^{29}Ne/^{29}F beams at energies around 230  MeV/nucleon. The invariant-mass spectra were reconstructed for both the ^{27}F^{(*)}+n and ^{26}F^{(*)}+2n coincidences and revealed a series of well-defined resonances. A near-threshold state was observed in both reactions and is identified as the ^{28}F ground state, with S_{n}(^{28}F)=-199(6)  keV, while analysis of the 2n decay channel allowed a considerably improved S_{n}(^{27}F)=1620(60)  keV to be deduced. Comparison with shell-model predictions and eikonal-model reaction calculations have allowed spin-parity assignments to be proposed for some of the lower-lying levels of ^{28}F. Importantly, in the case of the ground state, the reconstructed ^{27}F+n momentum distribution following neutron removal from ^{29}F indicates that it arises mainly from the 1p_{3/2} neutron intruder configuration. This demonstrates that the island of inversion around N=20 includes ^{28}F, and most probably ^{29}F, and suggests that ^{28}O is not doubly magic.

Fragmentation of Single-Particle Strength around the Doubly Magic Nucleus ^{132}Sn and the Position of the 0f_{5/2} Proton-Hole State in ^{131}In

Spectroscopic factors of neutron-hole and proton-hole states in ^{131}Sn and ^{131}In, respectively, were measured using one-nucleon removal reactions from doubly magic ^{132}Sn at relativistic energies. For ^{131}In, a 2910(50)-keV γ ray was observed for the first time and tentatively assigned to a decay from a 5/2^{-} state at 3275(50) keV to the known 1/2^{-} level at 365 keV. The spectroscopic factors determined for this new excited state and three other single-hole states provide first evidence for a strong fragmentation of single-hole strength in ^{131}Sn and ^{131}In. The experimental results are compared to theoretical calculations based on the relativistic particle-vibration coupling model and to experimental information for single-hole states in the stable doubly magic nucleus ^{208}Pb.

P92 A novel method of correcting the left ventricular stroke volume by Doppler echocardiography: comparison with multidetector computed tomography

Background

Although transthoracic Doppler echocardiography is widely used for estimating left ventricular stroke volume (SV), accelerated blood flow in the left ventricular (LV) outflow tract may lead to overestimation. SV can be calculated accurately from left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume determined by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). However, radiation exposure as well as the use of contrast medium hampers its routine use.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the correction of SV measured by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography (SVdop) can accurately predicts SV obtained by MDCT (SVct).

Methods： We enrolled consecutive 61 patients who underwent both MDCT and transthoracic echocardiography. Patients with moderate or severe valvular diseases and valve replacement surgery were excluded. Correction of SV was explored with SVct as a reference.

Results： Univariate analysis showed that SVdop (r = 0.42, P = 0.0007) and patient age (r=-0.50, P &lt; 0.0001) were significantly correlated with SVct. On the other hand, left ventricular ejection fraction calculated by Teicholz method (EFteich) (r = 0.19, P = 0.14), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.07, P = NS), and LV mass index (r=-0.02, P = NS) were not correlated with SVct. Multivariate analysis showed that SVdop, patient age and EFteich were the independent predictive factors for SVct (R2 = 0.49, P &lt; 0.0001). Based on these correlations, we postulated SV as: corrected SV = SVdop × 0.40 + EFteich × 0.46 – age × 0.67 + 44.77. As expected, the correlation between corrected SV and SVct significantly improved (r = 0.70, P &lt; 0.0001). Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that corrected SV significantly reduced the variation between SVdop and SVct, and diminished the overestimation of SVdop (Figure).

Conclusion： The new correction formula of SVdop may correct the overestimation of SV obtained by pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography, although the formula remains to be validated in a separate cohort of patients.

Abstract P92 Figure

Effects of medicinal plant ipe on expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in inerleukin-1β-stimulated Hepatocytes

Background: The traditional medicine ipe is thought to have various pharmacological actions including anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, there is little scientific evidence to demonstrate the organ-protective effects of ipe. The prevention of nitric oxide (NO) production in inflamed livers by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is an indicator of liver protection. We examined proinflammatory cytokine-stimulated hepatocytes as a simple “in vitro liver injury model” to determine ipe’s liver-protective effects of ipe and clarify its mechanisms.  Methods: Primary cultured hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of ipe. The induction of iNOS and its signal pathway were analyzed. Results: Ipe inhibited the production of NO stimulated by IL-1β and showed the greatest effect (more than 90% inhibition) at 2 mg/ml. Ipe decreased iNOS protein and mRNA expression. Ipe decreased NF-κB activation (its translocation to the nucleus and DNA binding), although there was no effect on IκBα degradation. Ipe inhibited Akt activation, followed by decreased the type I IL-1 receptor mRNA and protein levels. Transfection experiments revealed that ipe decreased both activities of iNOS promoter transactivation and mRNA stability. In support of the latter observation, ipe inhibited the expression of the antisense transcript of the iNOS gene. Conclusion: Ipe blocked IκB kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signal pathways, which caused the reduction of iNOS mRNA synthesis and its stability. This resulted in the inhibition of iNOS induction and NO production. Ipe may have a potent beneficial effect against NO-mediated injury in organs including the liver. Key words: ipe, inducible nitric oxide synthase, liver injury, primary cultured hepatocytes, nuclear factor-κB, the type I interleukin-1 receptor, iNOS antisense transcript

Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Blood Pressure and the Renal Renin-Angiotensin System in Rats with Diet-Induced Obesity

OBJECTIVE

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has been reported to decrease blood pressure (BP), although the reason has not been revealed. The present study aimed to establish the reason why SG decreases BP.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to surgical (sham operation or SG) and dietary interventions (fed a normal diet or high-fat diet ad libitum or fed by pair-feeding [PF]). Systolic BP (SBP), urinary sodium excretion, and endocrine parameters were examined 4 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Both SG and PF rats had reduced body weight compared with SO rats fed normal diet or high-fat diet ad libitum. SG rats exhibited a reduction in SBP compared with PF, which was associated with a reduction in renal renin, angiotensin II, and catechol-O-methyltransferase levels (P < 0.01 for each). SG increased plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) levels compared with PF (P < 0.0001 for each), whereas glucagon-like peptide 1 and peptide YY were not changed in fasting. Exogenous administration of CCK reduced renal catechol-O-methyltransferase (P = 0.0233), renin (P < 0.0001), and angiotensin II (P < 0.0001) levels and SBP (P = 0.0053).

CONCLUSIONS

SG reduced SBP, at least in part, through suppression of sympathetic nerve action by elevation of CCK, which was followed by suppression of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system.

Association between changes in the use of psychotropic drugs and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia over 1 year among long-term care facility residents

AIM

Pharmacological treatments are often used in treating the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in nursing homes, despite the fact that non-pharmacological treatments are recommended as a first-line treatment and can provide a suitable alternative. Because the course of BPSD is known to fluctuate depending on individual symptoms over time, the frequencies of drug use and BPSD, as well as their association, should be observed over a longer period. We investigated the association between the changes in psychotropic drug (PD) use and BPSD, focusing on the number of symptoms, severity, and care burden over 1 year among long-term care facility residents.

METHODS

A 1-year follow-up study was conducted among older residents with dementia or similar symptoms (n = 312 at baseline; n = 237 at follow-up) by using a care staff questionnaire in 10 long-term care facilities in Hokkaido, Japan. Medication use was determined based on prescription information. The brief questionnaire form of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to assess BPSD.

RESULTS

Among residents followed up for 1 year, new users of PD-particularly anxiolytics and hypnotics-had a significantly increased number and severity of BPSD, compared with non-PD users. Continuing PDs was also related to increased severity over the year. Among residents with any persistent BPSD for 1 year, new use of PDs-particularly anxiolytics and hypnotics-was significantly associated with an increased care burden of BPSD, compared with the non-use of PDs. The discontinuation of PDs was significantly associated with a decreased care burden, compared with the non-use of PDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that PDs, particularly anxiolytics and hypnotics, may be prescribed carefully in response to exacerbation of BPSD in terms of the number of symptoms, severity, and care burden in long-term care facilities. Continuous monitoring of PDs use and BPSD is important to effectively address BPSD.

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota on the Inflammatory Background due to Lack of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling-1 in Mice

Background

Both environmental and genetic factors have been implicated in the induction of autoimmune disease. Therefore, it is important to understand the pathophysiological significance of the gut microbiota and host genetic background that contribute to an autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We have previously reported that mice deficient for suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1), in which SOCS1 expression was restored in T and B cells on an SOCS1^-/- background (SOCS1^-/-Tg mice), developed systemic autoimmune diseases accompanied by spontaneous colitis.

Methods

To investigate whether the proinflammatory genetic background affects the gut microbiota, we used SOCS1^-/-Tg mice as a model of spontaneous chronic colitis. Fecal samples were collected from SOCS1^-/-Tg mice and SOCS1^+/+Tg (control) mice at 1 and 6 months of age, and the fecal bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform.

Results

Gut microbial diversity was significantly reduced and the intestinal bacterial community composition changed in SOCS1^-/-Tg mice in comparison with the control mice. Interestingly, the population of Prevotella species, which is known to be elevated in ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer patients, was significantly increased in SOCS1^-/-Tg mice regardless of age.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results suggest that the proinflammatory genetic background owing to SOCS1 deficiency causes dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, which in turn generates a procolitogenic environment.

Preoperative weight loss program involving a 20-day very low-calorie diet for obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

The increased visceral fat in patients with obesity can increase the technical difficulty of surgery. This study was performed to evaluate a preoperative 20-day very low-calorie diet for obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

METHODS

This prospective single-center study involved patients with obesity who were planning to undergo laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Obesity was defined according to the Japanese criteria: BMI ≥25 kg/m² or waist circumference ≥85 cm in men and ≥90 cm in women. The patients underwent a preoperative 20-day very low-calorie diet and received nutritional counseling. Weight loss, body composition, visceral fat mass, and operative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were enrolled from September 2013 to August 2015. Their median age was 71 years, and 78.8% were men. Their median bodyweight and BMI were 72.3 kg (range, 53.8-82.5 kg) and 26.0 kg/m² (range, 23.5-31.0 kg/m² ), respectively. The patients achieved a mean weight loss of 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.8-5.1), corresponding to 3.2 kg (95%CI: 2.7-3.7 kg). Body fat mass was significantly decreased by a mean of 2.5 kg (95%CI: 1.9-3.1), whereas skeletal muscle mass was unaffected (mean: -0.20 kg [95%CI: -0.55-0.15]). The visceral fat mass reduction rate was high as 16.8% (range, 11.6%-22.0%). All patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy as planned. Severe postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III) was seen in only one patient (3.0%).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative 20-day very low-calorie diet weight loss program is promising for the treatment of obesity before laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Oral administration of antibiotics results in fecal occult bleeding due to metabolic disorders and defective proliferation of the gut epithelial cell in mice

Antibiotics sometimes exert adverse effects on the pathogenesis of colitis due to the dysbiosis resulting from the disruption of gut homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms underlying colitogenic effects of antibiotic-induced colitis are largely unknown. Here, we show a novel murine fecal occult bleeding model induced by the combinatorial treatment of ampicillin and vancomycin, which is accompanied by an enlarged cecum, upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-12, a reduction in Ki-67-positive epithelial cell number and an increase in the apoptotic cell number in the colon. Moreover, gas chromatography-tandem mass analysis showed that various kinds of metabolites, including glutamic acid and butyric acid, were significantly decreased in the cecal contents. In addition, abundance of butyric acid producer Clostridiales was dramatically reduced in the enlarged cecum. Interestingly, supplementation of monosodium glutamate or its precursor glutamine suppressed colonic IL-6 and IL-12, protected from cell apoptosis and prevented fecal occult blood indicating that the reduced level of glutamic acid is a possible mechanism of antibiotic-induced fecal occult bleeding. Our data showed a novel mechanism of antibiotic-induced fecal occult bleeding providing a new insight into the clinical application of glutamic acid for the treatment of antibiotic-induced colitis.

Proposal of patient-specific growth plate cartilage xenograft model for FGFR3 chondrodysplasia

OBJECTIVE

FGFR3 chondrodysplasia is caused by a gain-of-function mutation of the FGFR3 gene. The disease causes abnormal growth plate cartilage and lacks effective drug treatment. We sought to establish an in vivo model for the study of FGFR3 chondrodysplasia pathology and drug testing.

DESIGN

We created cartilage from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and transplanted the cartilage into the subcutaneous spaces of immunodeficient mice. We then created cartilage from the hiPSCs of patients with FGFR3 chondrodysplasia and transplanted them into immunodeficient mice. We treated some mice with a FGFR inhibitor after the transplantation.

RESULTS

Xenografting the hiPSC-derived cartilage reproduced human growth plate cartilage consisting of zones of resting, proliferating, prehypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes and bone in immunodeficient mice. Immunohistochemistry of xenografts using anti-human nuclear antigen antibody indicated that all chondrocytes in growth plate cartilage were human, whereas bone was composed of human and mouse cells. The pathology of small hypertrophic chondrocytes due to up-regulated FGFR3 signaling in FGFR3 skeletal dysplasia was recapitulated in growth plate cartilage formed in the xenografts of patient-specific hiPSC-derived cartilage. The mean diameters of hypertrophic chondrocytes between wild type and thanatophoric dysplasia were significantly different (95% CI: 13.2-26.9; n = 4 mice, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)). The pathology was corrected by systemic administration of a FGFR inhibitor to the mice.

CONCLUSION

The patient-specific growth plate cartilage xenograft model for FGFR3 skeletal dysplasia indicated recapitulation of pathology and effectiveness of a FGFR inhibitor for treatment and warrants more study for its usefulness to study disease pathology and drug testing.

Observation of crossover from intraband to interband nonlinear terahertz optics

In this Letter, we investigate the nonlinear effects of extremely intense few-cycle terahertz (THz) pulses (generated from the organic crystal 4-NN, NN-dimethylamino-4^'4^'-N^'N^'-methyl-stilbazolium 2, 4, 6 trimethylbenzenesulfonate, with peak electrical fields of a few MV/cm) on the carrier dynamics in n-doped semiconductor thin film In_0.53Ga_0.47As. By performing open-aperture Z-scan measurements and recording the transmitted THz energy through semiconductor sample, we observed a strong THz absorption bleaching effect at high fields, followed by an absorption enhancement at even higher fields. We attribute our observations to a crossover from pure intraband carrier dynamics to an interplay between intraband carrier heating and interband carrier generations.