P732Maternal high-fat diet promotes the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysm in adult offspring by enhancing osteoclast-like macrophage differentiation

Background and objective

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) has been shown to modulate vascular function and remodeling in adult offspring. Here, we investigated the impact of maternal HFD on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation.

Methods and results

Eight-week-old female wild-type mice (C57BL/6) were fed a HFD or normal diet (ND) one week prior to mating and received during pregnancy and lactation. In eight-week-old offspring of both genders, AAA was induced with the application of 0.5M calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the infrarenal aorta. Male offspring of HFD-fed dams (O-HFD) showed a significant increase in maximum outer diameter of AAA at 1, 4 and 8 weeks after surgery compared with offspring of ND-fed dams (O-ND) (P<0.05). The lengths of outer circumference assessed by histological analysis were increased in O-HFD (P<0.05). Likewise, female O-HFD showed a greater length of outer circumference than female O-ND (P<0.05). While the number of F4/80-positive cells at 1 wk after surgery was comparable between the male O-HFD and O-ND, the percentage of MMP-9/F4/80 double-positive cells was significantly increased in male O-HFD. Consistently, fluorescent image of abdominal aorta taken by IVIS at 1 wk after surgery revealed a 2-fold increase in MMP activity (P<0.01). Intriguingly, F4/80-positive cells in male O-HFD showed a 2.5-fold increase in co-staining with tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP), typical marker of osteoclast-like macrophages which abundantly secrete proteases than classically activated macrophages (M1), while the percentage of TNF-α/F4/80 double-positive cells was comparable between the 2 groups. Pharmacological inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by zoledronic acid (ZA) (100μg/kg) completely abolished the exaggerated AAA development in male O-HFD to a similar extent of that in male O-ND, while AAA development in male O-ND mice did not change even after ZA treatment. Furthermore, in vitro TNF-α-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) showed a significantly higher number of TRAP-positive cells, accompanied by increased calcitonin receptor mRNA expression. Western blotting analysis showed that protein expression level of NFATc1, master regulator of osteoclastogenesis, was significantly higher in BMDM of O-HFD than O-ND.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that maternal HFD accelerates CaCl2-induced AAA expansion, accompanied by the exaggerated accumulation of osteoclast-like macrophages and augmented activity of MMPs. Inhibition of macrophages skewing toward osteoclast-like cells could be a potential therapeutic target for preventing AAA development.

P2813The improvement of chronic local coagulative response according to the progress of drug eluting stent

Background

We have previously reported local persistent hypercoagulation after sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation by measuring local plasma prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) levels. The aim of this study is to examine chronic local coagulative response after each generation- drug eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Methods

Ninety-five patients who were treated about eight months earlier with coronary angioplasty, with no evidence of restenosis, were studied [1stgeneration durable polymer (DP)-DES {SES; Cypher®: 26pts, paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES); Taxus®:16pts}, 2ndgeneration DP-DES {everolimus-eluting stent (EES); Xience®:15pts, zotarolimus-eluting stent (ZES); Endeavor®:15pts}, and 3rdgeneration biodegradable polymer (BP)-DES {BP-biolimus-eluting stent (BES); Nobori®: 11pts and BP-SES; Ultimaster®: 12pts}]. We measured plasma levels of F1+2 sampled in coronary sinus (CS) and sinus of Valsalva (V). The transcardiac gradient (Δ) was defined as CS level minus V level.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the percent diameter stenosis among 1st, 2nd, and 3rd DES groups (12.5±15.5 vs 16.1±12.9 vs 13.1±11.9%). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the 2nd and 3rd DES groups than in the 1st DES group (9.0±15.4 and 10.0±17.4 vs 27.3±23.8pmol/l, p<0.05, respectively). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the BP-DES groups (BP-BES and BP-SES) than in the DP-DES groups (DP-SES, DP-PES, DP-ZES, and DP-EES) (10.0±17.4 vs 18.1±19.5pmol/l, p<0.05). The ΔF1+2 was significantly lower in the thin strut-DES groups (BP-SES, DP-ZES, and DP-EES) than in the thick strut-DES groups (DP-SES, DP-PES, and BP-BES) (8.4±15.4 vs 21.7±18.5pmol/l, p<0.05). In the BP-DES groups, the ΔF1+2 was lower in the BP-SES group than in the BP-BES group (8.0±16.1 vs 12.7±18.1pmol/l, p=0.08).

Conclusions

The improvement of chronic local coagulative response was observed according to the progress of DES. These findings might be associated with lower strut thickness and faster polymer resorption in the newer-generation DES.

P3437Impact of epicardial adipose tissue on global longitudinal strain: a study in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) locates anatomically and functionally contiguous to the myocardium and coronary arteries. It has been suggested that EAT accumulation is associated with cardiac remodeling and impaired cardiac performance. However, its role in left ventricular (LV) wall strain remains unclear.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to clarify: whether EAT accumulation is related to global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (CS) and radial strain (RS); and if so, in which extent or by which amount of EAT are required to deteriorate these strain.

Methods

Total 180 patients who had no obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on conventional echocardiography were recruited. Cardiac CT was used to quantify EAT volume (EATV) and echocardiographic speckle tracking was used to measure the GLS, CS and RS. EATV index (EATV/Body surface area) was determined as: EAT volume, the sum of the EAT area from the base to the apex of the heart (cm3)/body surface area (m2). Adipose tissue was determined as the density range between −190 and −30 Hounsfield unit. According to the median value (68 cm3/m2), patients were divided into lower and higher EATV index two groups.

Results

In higher EATV index group (95±19 cm3/m2), mean age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of hyperlipidemia and prevalence of CAD were larger than in lower EATV index group (48±14 cm3/m2). Male gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and LV mass index were comparable between two groups. Patients in higher EATV index had lower GLS than those in lower EATV index (−19.4±1.2% vs. −18.8±1.3%, p=0.002). However, there were no significant difference between two groups regarding to the CS and RS. Linear regression analysis showed that there was strong correlation between EATV index and GLS (R=0.216, p=0.004); whereas, both RS and CS were strongly associated with the interventricular septum thickness (RS: R=0.248, p=0.003; CS: R= −0.192, p=0.023) and relative wall thickness (RS: R=0.178, p=0.036; CS: R= −0.184, p=0.030) but not with EATV; on multiple regression analysis, EATV was a predictor of GLS independent of age, male gender, BMI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and CAD (Adjusted R2=0.238, p<0.001).

Conclusion

EATV is independently associated with GLS despite the preserved LVEF and lacking of obstructive CAD, and may play a significant role in estimating impaired longitudinal LV performance.

P740Repeated social defeat exaggerates fibrin-rich clot formation in FeCl3-induced arterial thrombosis mice model by enhancing NETs formation

Background and objective

Depression is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have recently shown that repeated social defeat (RSD) precipitates depressive-like behaviorsin apoE−/− mice and exaggerates atherosclerosis development by enhancing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation (BBRC 2018; 500:490). Here, we investigated the impact of RSD on arterial thrombosis.

Methods and results

Eight-week-old male WT mice were exposed to RSDby housing with a larger CD-1 mouse in a shared home cage. They were subjected to vigorous physical contact daily for 10 consecutive days. Control mice were housed in the same gage without physical contact. After social interaction testto confirm depressive-like behaviors, defeated mice (19 of 31) and control mice (12 of 14) were underwent arterial injury at 10 wks of age. A filter paper saturated with 10% FeCl3was applied on the adventitial surface of left carotid artery for 3 min and analyzed 3 hrs later. The volume of thrombi calculated by summing8–15 frozen cross-sectional images, each separated by 200 μm, was comparable between the 2 groups. However, fibrinogen/fibrin-positive areas in immunofluorescent images were significantly increased in defeated mice (27.8% vs. 48.8%, Control vs. Defeat, P<0.01).The numberof Ly-6G-positive cells in thrombi was markedly higher in defeated mice (144/mm2 vs. 878/mm2, Control vs. Defeat, P<0.05). Further, Ly-6G-positive cells were almost accumulated at the inner surface of injured artery, which were co-localized with neutrophil elastase, Cit-H3, and CD41-positive staining. Treatment with DNase Icompletely diminished the exaggerated fibrin-rich clot formation in defeated miceto a similar extent of control mice (25.7% vs. 22.3%, Control vs. Defeat, P= NS), while the volume of thrombi and number of Ly-6G-positive cells in thrombi were comparable between the 2 groups even afterDNase I treatment. Platelet aggregations induced by ADP or collagen were comparable between the 2 groups, suggesting that NETs formation primarily contributes to the exaggerated fibrin-rich clot formation in defeated mice.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that repeated social defeat enhances fibrin-rich clot formation after arterial injury by enhancing NETs formation, suggesting that NETosis could be a new therapeutic target in depression-related CVD development.

P2867Vildagliptin reduces inducibility of atrial fibrillation in hypertensive rats complicated with diabetes mellitus

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, increasing the incidence of ischemic stroke. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a predictor of stroke and thromboembolism, and it was reported to be an independent risk factor for AF. A recent study has shown that, in obese mice with diabetes, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor prevents myocardial fibrosis, active oxygen stress, weight loss and improves myocardial hypertrophy. However, the effects of DPP-4 inhibitors on atrial remodeling associated with diabetes and atrial fibrillation have not yet been clarified.

Purpose

This study was performed to assess whether a DPP-4 inhibitor (vildagliptin) ameliorates atrial remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Methods

Rats were divided into 3 groups: SHR without DM, SHR with DM treated with vehicle and SHR-DM treated with vildagliptin (3mg/kg/day; intragastric gavage). For each group, blood pressure, blood glucose level and body weight were measured serially. Cardiac function was also evaluated by echocardiography. Then, we examined AF inducibility by intracardiac electrophysiological study and the inflammation-induced atrial remodeling by biochemical analysis after 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference in blood pressure and blood gucose level between vehicle and vildagliptin groups. Administration of vildagliptin significantly reduced AF inducibility compared with rats with vehicle. In DM rats treated with vehicle, rapid atrial pacing promoted the gene expression of inflammatory and fibrosis-related biomarkers (TNF-α, MCP-1, collagen-1) in atrium. Vildagliptin reduced these gene expression levels. In addition, administration of vildagliptin significantly reduced the interstitial fibrosis in atrium.

Conclusions

DPP-4 inhibitor, vildagliptin. could prevent atrial inflammation and reduce the AF inducibility in SHR complicated with DM.

P3111Empagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, attenuates endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis by inhibiting inflammatory responses in the vasculature and adipose tissue in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient

Background

Inflammation and oxidative stress associated with hyperglycemia are major causes of vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular complications in diabetes. Recent studies reported that cardioprotective effects of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, however underlying mechanisms are still obscure.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether empagliflozin attenuates atherogenesis and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice and investigated underlying mechanisms.

Methods

ApoE−/− mice were injected with streptozotocin (75 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. One week after last injection, a western type diet and administration of empagliflozin (20 mg/kg/day) or vehicle via oral gavage were started. Atherosclerotic plaque area was examined by en face Sudan IV staining. Lipid deposition and inflammatory features of atherosclerotic plaques was examined on lesions in the aortic root by immunohistochemical analysis. Vascular function was assessed by isometric tension recording. mRNA or protein expression level was examined by quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) or western blot analysis, respectively. In in vitro experiments, murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, was used.

Results

Treatment with empagliflozin for 12 weeks significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaque size in the aortic arch compared with untreated group (p<0.01). Empagliflozin reduced blood glucose (p<0.001) and plasma lipid levels. Results of histological analyses revealed that empagliflozin decreased lipid deposition, macrophage accumulation, and the expression of inflammatory molecules in the aortic root. Empagliflozin treatment for 8 weeks significantly attenuated endothelial dysfunction as determined by vascular response to acetylcholine. qPCR results demonstrated that empagliflozin reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules such as MCP-1 (p<0.05), ICAM-1 (p<0.05) and Nox-2 (p<0.05), a major NADPH oxidase subunit, in the aorta compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, empagliflozin significantly mitigated the expression of these inflammatory molecules in fat tissues around the aortic arch as determined by qPCR. In in vitro studies, methylglyoxal (MGO), a precursor of AGEs, increased the expression of inflammatory molecules (e.g., MCP-1, IL-1b and TNF-a (p<0.05, respectively)) in RAW264.7 cells. MGO also significantly induced activation of JNK and p38 MAP kinase (p<0.001, respectively) in this cell-type.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin attenuated endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Reduction of inflammation in the vasculature and peri-vascular adipose tissues may have a role as underlying mechanisms at least partially.

A population-based study identifies an association of THBS2 with intervertebral disc degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the genetic mechanisms underlying intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), we examined the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and indicated as coefficient of interaction term (IDD) in a general population in Japan.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study. In 1,605 participants, C2-3 to L5/S1 in the total spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were evaluated using the Pfirrmann's scoring system. Disc scores of 4 and 5 were defined as IDD. Eight SNPs in eight genes associated with IDD were examined at each disc level, considering the non-genetic risk factors of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

The highest odds ratio was found for rs9406328 in the THBS2 gene at disc level T12-L1 (OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.53), and this association was strengthened after adjustment for age using logistic regression (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.67). Among participants aged <50 years and 50-59, the average IDD score in those with 2 risk alleles of rs9406328 was markedly higher than in those with 0 or 1 risk allele, and the difference is much wider than the elderly participants. It indicates the genetic effect of rs9406328 is stronger in the younger age groups. Finally, multiple linear regression analyses of the association between rs9406328 and IDD, adjusted for age, sex, and BMI at each disc level, showed a statistical interaction between age and the number of risk alleles at C7-T1, T3-4 and T4-T5 as well as T12-L1.

CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION: The association between rs9406328 in THBS2 and IDD was replicated. The contributions of genetic and environmental factors to IDD differed by disc level.

5220Maternal high-fat diet exaggerates the development of diet-induced insulin resistance in adult offspring by enhancing pyroptosis through augmented gasdermin D-mediated pore formation

Background

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) has been shown to promote the development of insulin resistance (IR) in adult offspring; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Approach and results

Eight-week-old female wild-type mice (C57BL/6) were fed a HFD or normal diet (ND) one week prior to mating, and received during pregnancy and lactation. Eight-week-old male offspring of both groups were fed a HFD for 8 weeks. Offspring of HFD-fed dams (O-HFD) showed significantly enhanced IR compared with offspring of ND-fed dams (O-ND). There was no difference in body weight, epidydimal white adipose tissue (eWAT) weight, and cumulative caloric intake between the 2 groups. However, eWAT adipocyte size was significantly increased in O-HFD, accompanied by the abundant crown-like structures. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an increased percentage of M1, but not M2, macrophages. Serum and eWAT concentrations of IL-1β, but not TNF-α, were significantly higher in O-HFD than O-ND (3.7-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively, P<0.05). Treatment with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 completely abrogated the enhanced IR in O-HFD to a similar extent of that in O-ND, although IR was modestly, but not significantly, ameliorated in O-ND even after MCC950 treatment. Consistent with in vivo findings, in vitro polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) did not show any difference in TNF-α mRNA expression after conventional stimulation. In contrast, palmitate acid (PA)-mediated metabolic activation of BMDMs following LPS priming showed a significantly higher concentration of IL-1β in culture supernatants from O-HFD (45%, P<0.05). However, protein expression levels of NLRP-3, ASC, and procaspase-1 after LPS priming were equivalent between the 2 groups. Consistently, intracellular flow cytometric analysis of caspase-1 activity after PA activation did not show any difference, which was compatible with the finding that ex vivo caspase-1 activity of eWAT assessed by fluorescent image of IVIS revealed no difference between the 2 groups. To further examine the mechanism of augmented IL-1β release in BMDM of O-HFD, we examined the cleavage of caspase substrate gasdermin D (GSDMD) and subsequent pore formation. Protein and gene expression levels of GSDM-D after LPS priming were significantly higher in O-HFD (50% and 381%, respectively, P<0.05). At 2 hrs after PA stimulation following LPS priming, cleaved GSDM-D was significantly increased in O-HFD (80%, P<0.01). Consistently, percentage of pore formation assessed by ethidium bromide staining was significantly higher in O-HFD (60%, P<0.05), while LDH release could not be observed.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that maternal HFD exaggerates diet-induced insulin resistance in adult offspring by enhancing pyroptosis through augmented GSDM-D-mediated pore formation.

P5304Adipose tissue surrounding the kidney and its impact on coronary artery disease

Background

Growing evidence suggests that visceral adipose tissue has systemic and local impact for the development of cardiovascular disease. Previously, we reported that epicardial adipose tissue, as one of visceral fat, was a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between another visceral adiposity kidney fat and CAD remains unclear.

Purpose

In this study we aimed to clarify whether there exists link between adipose tissue surrounding the kidney and CAD among patients.

Method

The study population consisted of 201 consecutive patients who underwent 320-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. Study subjects were divided into the CAD (≥1 coronary artery stenosis of ≥50%) and non-CAD groups. Adipose tissue surrounding the kidney were quantified by the computed tomography and peri-renal fat volumetric measurements were performed on axial views by manually placing the Region of Interest (ROI) on the renal fascia. The peri-renal fat area of each slice was summed and multiplied by the slice thickness and number of slices to determine the total peri-renal fat volume. Adipose tissue was determined as the density range was −190 to −30 Hounsfield unit. Peri-renal fat volume were indexed by body surface area (BSA).

Results

The mean age was higher in CAD group than those in non-CAD (66±11 vs. 71±10 years, p=0.005). The diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were significantly prevalent in CAD comparing to non-CAD group. BSA adjusted Peri-renal fat volume was significantly larger in CAD than those in non-CAD (43±27 vs. 60±39 ml/m2). Linear regression analysis showed that BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume was significantly correlated with visceral fat area (VFA) (R=0.729, p<0.001). Multiple regression analysis for estimating CAD showed that BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume was a predictor of CAD after adjusting for confounding factors which including age, gender, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and VFA (Adjusted R2=0.201, p<0.001); In addition, in the above traditional risk factors model even when the VFA was replaced by the eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2, the BSA adjusted peri-renal fat volume still keep a significance for predicting the CAD in the multivariate analysis (Adjusted R2=0.198, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Peri-renal fat volume might be a predictor of CAD. Kidney fat at least partially may contributes to the development of CAD by impaired kidney function.

P722Glycemic control with canagliflozin, a SGLT-2 inhibitor, attenuates atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic apolipoprotein e-deficient mice

Background

Canagliflozin is a SGLT-2 inhibitor, a novel type of drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. Recent studies have shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events, although the mechanism is still unknown.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to examine the effect of canagliflozin on vascular endothelial cell.

Method

Eight-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were treated with streptozotocin (STZ, 75 mg/kg/day) in three consecutive days by intraperitoneal injection to induce diabetes. Diabetic ApoE−/− mice were treated with canagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 12 weeks or 8 weeks to examine its effect on atherosclerosis or endothelial function, respectively.

Results

Canagliflozin significantly decreased blood glucose level (P<0.001), triglyceride level (P<0.05), and total cholesterol level (P<0.05). Sudan IV staining on the aortic arch showed that canagliflozin decreased atherosclerotic lesion progression (P<0.05). Histological analyses using atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root showed that canagliflozin reduced lipid disposition (P<0.01), macrophage accumulation (P<0.001, and expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 (P<0.01, and P<0.05 respectively). Canagliflozin also attenuated the development of endothelial dysfunction as determined by acetylcholine-dependent vasodilation (P<0.05), and reduced the expression of inflammatory molecules, such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 (P<0.01), also MCP-1, F4/80, IL6, and iNOS (P<0.05) in the aorta. Canagliflozin reduced oxidative stress as determined by the reduction of the expression of NOX2, NOX4, p22phox, p47phox in the aorta and by the urinary excretion of 8-OHdG. In in vitro experiment using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), methylglyoxal (MGO), a precursor of advanced glycation end products, significantly increased the expression of inflammatory molecules such as ICAM-1, MCP-1, and p22phox in (P<0.05, respectively). MGO also decreased the phosphorylation of eNOSser1177 and Akt, and increased phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in HUVEC.

Conclusion

Glucose lowering effect by canagliflozin attenuates the development of endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Anti-inflammatory effect due to the reduction of glucose toxicity on endothelial cells might be one of the mechanisms.

The efficiency of a new automated mosquito larval counter and its impact on larval survival

To achieve consistent and standardized rearing for mosquito immature stages, it is crucial to control the initial number of larvae present in each larval tray. In addition, maintaining an optimal and synchronized development rate of larvae is essential to maximize the pupal production and optimize male sorting in a mass-rearing setting. Manual counting is labor intensive, time consuming and error prone. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the use of a customized automated counter for the quantification of mosquito larvae. The present prototype of the mosquito larval counter uses a single counting channel consisting of three parts: a larvae dispenser, an electronic counting unit and computer control software. After the separation of the larvae from eggs and debris, batches of different numbers of Aedes aegypti first instar larvae were manually counted and introduced into the counter through the upper loading funnel and channeled out from the bottom of the counter by gravitational flow. The accuracy and repeatability of the mosquito larval counter were determined in relation to larval density and water quality. We also investigated its impact on larval survival. Results showed an impact of larval density and water quality on the accuracy of the device. A −6% error and a repeatability of +/− 2.56% average value were achieved with larval densities up to 10 larvae/mL of clean water. Moreover, the use of the mosquito larval counter did not have any effect on larval survival or development. Under recommended conditions, the mosquito larval counter can be used to enumerate the number of mosquito larvae at a given density. However, future developments involving the use of multiple channels or larger input larvae container would help to expand its use in large-scale facilities.

Demonstration of wavelength-scan-free action spectroscopy in pump/probe measurement with supercontinuum pump light

We devise and introduce the principle of wavelength-scan-free spectroscopy for the pump light in pump/probe measurement (action spectroscopy) using supercontinuum light; we demonstrate its implementation by measuring transmission spectra. We use the supercontinuum light noise as a code in order to discriminate wavelength. We extract the stimulation at the desired wavelength by correlating the noise at that wavelength observed separately and the observed total stimulation carried by the probe light. The wavelength-scan-free spectroscopy is enabled with a simultaneous procedure for multiple wavelengths.

How Robust is the N=34 Subshell Closure? First Spectroscopy of ^{52}Ar

The first γ-ray spectroscopy of ^{52}Ar, with the neutron number N=34, was measured using the ^{53}K(p,2p) one-proton removal reaction at ∼210  MeV/u at the RIBF facility. The 2_{1}^{+} excitation energy is found at 1656(18) keV, the highest among the Ar isotopes with N>20. This result is the first experimental signature of the persistence of the N=34 subshell closure beyond ^{54}Ca, i.e., below the magic proton number Z=20. Shell-model calculations with phenomenological and chiral-effective-field-theory interactions both reproduce the measured 2_{1}^{+} systematics of neutron-rich Ar isotopes, and support a N=34 subshell closure in ^{52}Ar.

Abstract P6-17-14: Eribulin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab as first-line therapy for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: A multicenter, collaborative, open-label, phase II clinical trial for the SBCCSG-36 investigators

Background: Docetaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (DTP) therapy is established first-line therapy for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (HER2 + MBC). However, the poor tolerability of docetaxel impedes its long-term administration. The safety of eribulin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab (ETP) therapy for HER2 + MBC has been confirmed in Japan. We examined the primary endpoint—overall response rate, the secondary endpoints—time to treatment failure, progression-free survival, and overall survival, as well as adverse events (AEs) of ETP therapy. (University Hospital Medical Information Network identifier:000021585)

Methods: Eribulin 1.4 mg/m2/day iv (days 1 and 8), trastuzumab 8 mg/kg iv over 90 min (initial dose) and 6 mg/kg iv over 30 min (second and subsequent doses), and pertuzumab 840 mg/body over 60 min (initial dose) and 420 mg/body over 30 min (second and subsequent doses) were administered. Cycles consisting of 2 doses of eribulin and 1-week drug holiday were repeated. Patients were treated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab when AEs developed that did not allow medication continuation by reducing the dose of eribulin. Antitumor effect was assessed according to RECIST version 1.1. and toxicities to CTCAE Japanese version 4.0. All patients provided written informed consent before enrollment. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional or Central Ethics Committee, and the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice, and local ethical and legal regulations.

Results: 25 female patients (median age: 57 years [41-75]) were enrolled from April 18, 2016, through November 22, 2017. Twenty-four had performance status (PS) 0, 1 PS 1, 8 stage 4 breast cancer, and 17 metastatic breast cancer. Anthracycline, taxane, and trastuzumab were administered as neoadjuvant and adjuvant pharmacotherapies to 13, 15, and 14 patients, respectively. Primary tumor was positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors in 12 and 6 patients, respectively. Lung, liver, and bone metastases occurred in 9, 9, and 6 patients, respectively. Three (12%), 17 (68%), 1 (4%), 1 (4%), and 2 (8%) patients showed complete response (CR), partial response (PR), long-term stable disease (LSD; stable disease ≥24 weeks), stable disease (SD; stable disease &lt;24 weeks), and progression disease (PD), respectively; 1 (4%) was unassessable because ETP therapy could not be conducted due to the grade 3 infusion reaction of pertuzumab. Major AEs were neutropenia, anemia, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, alopecia, and anorexia. The overall response rate (CR+PR) was 80.0% (95% confidence interval 59.3-93.2%). The median follow-up was 10.1 months [3.9-21.5]. Six and 3 patients showed tumor deterioration and died of breast cancer, respectively.

Conclusions: Similar to DTP, ETP showed high response rates and good safety as first-line therapy for HER2 + MBC.

Citation Format: Inoue K, Ninomiya J, Okubo K, Nakakuma T, Yamada H, Kimizuka K, Higuchi T, Saito T. Eribulin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab as first-line therapy for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: A multicenter, collaborative, open-label, phase II clinical trial for the SBCCSG-36 investigators [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-17-14.

Microwave frequency comb Doppler reflectometer applying fast digital data acquisition system in LHD

We succeeded in increasing the radial observation points of the microwave frequency comb Doppler reflectometer system from 8 to 20 (or especially up to 45) using the high sampling rate of 40 GS/s digital signal processing. For a new acquisition system, the estimation scheme of the Doppler shifted frequency is constructed and compared with the conventional technique. Also, the fine radial profile of perpendicular velocity is obtained, and it is found that the perpendicular velocity profile is consistent with the E × B drift velocity one.

Early ligation of the dorsal pancreatic artery with a mesenteric approach reduces intraoperative blood loss during pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Early ligation of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery has been advocated to reduce blood loss during pancreatoduodenectomy. However, the impact of early ligation of the dorsal pancreatic artery (DPA) remains unclear. This study was performed to investigate the clinical implications of early ligation of the DPA.

METHODS

From October 2014 to April 2017, 34 consecutive patients underwent pancreatoduodenectomy using a mesenteric approach. The patients were divided into the early DPA ligation group (n = 15) and late DPA ligation group (n = 19). The clinical features were retrospectively compared between the two groups (H29-044).

RESULTS

Preoperative multidetector row computed tomography and intraoperative findings revealed that the right branch of the DPA supplied the pancreatic head region in all cases. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the early than late ligation group (median 609 ml [range 94-1,013 ml] vs. 764 ml [range 367-1,828 ml], respectively; P = 0.008). Multivariable analysis revealed that early DPA ligation was independently associated with blood loss (P = 0.023). The DPAs arising from the superior mesenteric artery underwent early ligation at a significantly higher rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Early ligation of the DPA during pancreaticoduodenectomy with a mesenteric approach could reduce intraoperative blood loss.