Successful removal of a proximally migrated biliary fully covered self-expandable metal stent using a sphincterotome

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Antimicrobial therapy outcomes in acute cholangitis: Hilar multiple obstructions versus single hilar and common bile duct obstructions

Background and Aim

The appropriate duration of antimicrobial therapy for acute cholangitis (AC) arising from multiple hilar biliary obstructions as opposed to simple obstruction in the extrahepatic bile duct has not been established. This study assessed the efficacy of the duration of antimicrobial treatments in the Tokyo Guidelines 2018 for AC based on the cause and site of obstruction.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study involved patients with AC who underwent successful biliary drainage and completed a 7-day or shorter antimicrobial treatment. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group 1, bile duct stone or benign obstruction; Group 2, simple biliary obstruction due to malignancy; and Group 3, multiple hilar biliary obstruction due to malignancy. The primary outcome was clinical cure rate, and the secondary outcomes were 3-month recurrence rate and length of hospital stay.

Results

A total of 373 patients were selected. Patients in Group 3 were younger or had Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥4, and had fewer positive blood cultures. In Group 3, the clinical cure rate (87.1%) and 3-month recurrence rate (32.3%) were less favorable than those in the other groups. In Group 1, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher (98.1%, P = 0.02) with a much lower 3-month recurrence rate of only 3.4% (P < 0.001) than that in the other groups. The median hospital stay for all groups was 7 days.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the outcomes in Group 3 may be worse than those in Groups 1 or 2, regardless of the duration of the antibiotic treatment.

Difficulty in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer based on the initial CT report: A retrospective study

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the initial diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is well-known. CT reports made by radiologists are important as not all patients with PC are examined by specialists; however, some cases are not identified based on CT reports. Diagnosis via imaging of PC is sometimes difficult, and the diagnostic rate of PC and other pancreatic diseases can vary across radiologists. This study aimed to examine the diagnostic rate of PC in initial CT reports and the details of cases with diagnostic difficulties. This single-centered, retrospective study collected clinical data of 198 patients with histologically diagnosed PC between January 2018 and April 2022. Out of these contrast-enhanced CT was performed in 192 cases. PC was not reported as the main diagnosis in 18 patients (9.4%; 11 men and 7 women). Among these 18 cases, intrapancreatic mass lesions were detected in 3 (1.6%), indirect findings such as bile/pancreatic duct stenosis or dilation were detected in 5 (2.6%), and no PC-related findings were found in 10 (5.2%). The specialists suspected PC in 15 of these 18 cases based on initial CT reports. 17 cases were confirmed by endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration and one by biopsy after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. To improve accuracy of its diagnosis, it is important that specialists provide feedback to diagnostic radiologists regarding the findings they did not report. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration should be performed by specialists when there is clinical information which indicates pancreatic disease of any kind.

Association of short-course antimicrobial therapy and bacterial resistance in acute cholangitis: Retrospective cohort study

Background and study aims Although the number of resistant bacteria tends to increase with prolonged antimicrobial therapy, no studies have examined the relationship between the duration of antimicrobial therapy and increase in the number of resistant bacteria in acute cholangitis. We hypothesized that the short-term administration of antimicrobial agents in acute cholangitis would suppress bacterial resistance. Patients and methods This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study of patients with acute cholangitis admitted between January 2018 and June 2020 who met the following criteria: successful biliary drainage, positive blood or bile cultures, bacteria identified from cultures sensitive to antimicrobials, and subsequent cholangitis recurrence by January 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: those whose causative organisms at the time of recurrence became resistant to the antimicrobial agents used at the time of initial admission (resistant group) and those who remained susceptible (susceptible group). Multivariate analysis was used to examine risk factors associated with the development of resistant pathogens. Multivariate analysis investigated antibiotics used with the length of 3 days or shorter after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and previously reported risk factors for the development of bacterial resistance. Results In total, 89 eligible patients were included in this study. There were no significant differences in patient background or ERCP findings between the groups. The use of antibiotics, completed within 3 days after ERCP, was associated with a lower risk of developing bacterial resistance (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.65; P =0.01). Conclusions In acute cholangitis, the administration of antimicrobials within 3 days of ERCP may suppress the development of resistant bacteria.

ψ(2S) Suppression in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

The production of the ψ(2S) charmonium state was measured with ALICE in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, in the dimuon decay channel. A significant signal was observed for the first time at LHC energies down to zero transverse momentum, at forward rapidity (2.5 Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

S Acharya Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
D Adamová Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
A Adler Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität Frankfurt Institut für Informatik, Fachbereich Informatik und Mathematik, Frankfurt, Germany
G Aglieri Rinella European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
M Agnello Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
N Agrawal INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Z Ahammed Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
S Ahmad Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
S U Ahn Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
I Ahuja Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
A Akindinov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Al-Turany Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
D Aleksandrov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
B Alessandro INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
H M Alfanda Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
R Alfaro Molina Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
B Ali Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
A Alici Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
N Alizadehvandchali University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
A Alkin European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
J Alme Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
G Alocco INFN, Sezione di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
T Alt Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
I Altsybeev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M N Anaam Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
C Andrei Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
A Andronic Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
V Anguelov Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
F Antinori INFN, Sezione di Padova, Padova, Italy
P Antonioli INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
N Apadula Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
L Aphecetche SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
H Appelshäuser Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
C Arata Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie, Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS-IN2P3, Grenoble, France
S Arcelli Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
M Aresti INFN, Sezione di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
R Arnaldi INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
I C Arsene Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
M Arslandok Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
A Augustinus European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R Averbeck Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
M D Azmi Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
A Badalà INFN, Sezione di Catania, Catania, Italy
J Bae Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City, Republic of Korea
Y W Baek Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
X Bai University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
R Bailhache Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Y Bailung Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
A Balbino Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
A Baldisseri Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
B Balis AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
D Banerjee Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
Z Banoo Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
R Barbera Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy
F Barile Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
L Barioglio Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
M Barlou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Science, Department of Physics, Athens, Greece
G G Barnaföldi Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
L S Barnby Nuclear Physics Group, STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, United Kingdom
V Barret Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
L Barreto Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
C Bartels University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
K Barth European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
E Bartsch Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
F Baruffaldi Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy
N Bastid Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
S Basu Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
G Batigne SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
D Battistini Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
B Batyunya Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
D Bauri Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
J L Bazo Alba Sección Física, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
I G Bearden Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
C Beattie Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
P Becht Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
D Behera Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
I Belikov Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
A D C Bell Hechavarria Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
F Bellini Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
R Bellwied University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
S Belokurova Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
V Belyaev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
G Bencedi Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
S Beole Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
A Bercuci Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
Y Berdnikov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Berdnikova Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
L Bergmann Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
M G Besoiu Institute of Space Science (ISS), Bucharest, Romania
L Betev European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
P P Bhaduri Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
A Bhasin Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
M A Bhat Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
B Bhattacharjee Gauhati University, Department of Physics, Guwahati, India
L Bianchi Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
N Bianchi INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
J Bielčík Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
J Bielčíková Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
J Biernat The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
A P Bigot Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
A Bilandzic Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
G Biro Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
S Biswas Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
N Bize SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
J T Blair The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
D Blau Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M B Blidaru Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
N Bluhme Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
C Blume Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
G Boca Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
F Bock Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
T Bodova Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
A Bogdanov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Boi Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy
J Bok Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
L Boldizsár Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
A Bolozdynya Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Bombara Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
P M Bond European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
G Bonomi INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy Università di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
H Borel Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
A Borissov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A G Borquez Carcamo Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
H Bossi Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
E Botta Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
Y E M Bouziani Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
L Bratrud Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
P Braun-Munzinger Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
M Bregant Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
M Broz Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
G E Bruno Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy Politecnico di Bari and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
D Budnikov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
H Buesching Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
S Bufalino Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
O Bugnon SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
P Buhler Stefan Meyer Institut für Subatomare Physik (SMI), Vienna, Austria
Z Buthelezi iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
S A Bysiak The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
M Cai Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
H Caines Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
A Caliva Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
E Calvo Villar Sección Física, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
J M M Camacho Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico
P Camerini Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy
F D M Canedo Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
M Carabas University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
A A Carballo European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
F Carnesecchi European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R Caron Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
J Castillo Castellanos Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
F Catalano Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
C Ceballos Sanchez Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
I Chakaberia Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
P Chakraborty Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
S Chandra Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
S Chapeland European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
M Chartier University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
S Chattopadhyay Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
S Chattopadhyay Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
T G Chavez High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
T Cheng Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
C Cheshkov Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
B Cheynis Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
V Chibante Barroso European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
D D Chinellato Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
E S Chizzali Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
J Cho Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
S Cho Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
P Chochula European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
P Christakoglou Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
C H Christensen Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
P Christiansen Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
T Chujo University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
M Ciacco Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
C Cicalo INFN, Sezione di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
F Cindolo INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
M R Ciupek Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
G Clai INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
F Colamaria INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
J S Colburn School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
D Colella Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy Politecnico di Bari and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
M Colocci European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
M Concas INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
G Conesa Balbastre Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie, Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS-IN2P3, Grenoble, France
Z Conesa Del Valle Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
G Contin Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy
J G Contreras Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
M L Coquet Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
T M Cormier Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
P Cortese INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy Università del Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy
M R Cosentino Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil
F Costa European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
S Costanza Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
J Crkovská Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
P Crochet Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
R Cruz-Torres Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
E Cuautle Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
P Cui Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
A Dainese INFN, Sezione di Padova, Padova, Italy
M C Danisch Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
A Danu Institute of Space Science (ISS), Bucharest, Romania
P Das National Institute of Science Education and Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Jatni, India
P Das Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
S Das Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
A R Dash Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
S Dash Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
A De Caro Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
G de Cataldo INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
J de Cuveland Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
A De Falco Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy
D De Gruttola Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
N De Marco INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
C De Martin Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy
S De Pasquale Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
S Deb Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
R J Debski AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
K R Deja Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
R Del Grande Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
L Dello Stritto Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
W Deng Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
P Dhankher Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
D Di Bari Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
A Di Mauro European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R A Diaz Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
T Dietel University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Y Ding Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
R Divià European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
D U Dixit Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
Ø Djuvsland Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
U Dmitrieva Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Dobrin Institute of Space Science (ISS), Bucharest, Romania
B Dönigus Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
J M Dubinski Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
A Dubla Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
S Dudi Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
P Dupieux Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
M Durkac Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
N Dzalaiova Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
T M Eder Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
R J Ehlers Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
V N Eikeland Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
F Eisenhut Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
D Elia INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
B Erazmus SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
F Ercolessi Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
F Erhardt Physics department, Faculty of science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
M R Ersdal Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
B Espagnon Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
G Eulisse European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
D Evans School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
S Evdokimov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
L Fabbietti Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
M Faggin Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy
J Faivre Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie, Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS-IN2P3, Grenoble, France
F Fan Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
W Fan Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
A Fantoni INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
M Fasel Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
P Fecchio Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
A Feliciello INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
G Feofilov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Fernández Téllez High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
L Ferrandi Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
M B Ferrer European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
A Ferrero Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
C Ferrero INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
A Ferretti Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
V J G Feuillard Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
V Filova Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
D Finogeev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
F M Fionda INFN, Sezione di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
F Flor University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
A N Flores The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
S Foertsch iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa
I Fokin Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
S Fokin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
E Fragiacomo INFN, Sezione di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
E Frajna Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
U Fuchs European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
N Funicello Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
C Furget Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie, Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS-IN2P3, Grenoble, France
A Furs Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
T Fusayasu Saga University, Saga, Japan
J J Gaardhøje Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
M Gagliardi Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
A M Gago Sección Física, Departamento de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru
C D Galvan Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico
D R Gangadharan University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
P Ganoti National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Science, Department of Physics, Athens, Greece
C Garabatos Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
J R A Garcia High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
E Garcia-Solis Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
K Garg SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
C Gargiulo European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
A Garibli National Nuclear Research Center, Baku, Azerbaijan
K Garner Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
P Gasik Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
A Gautam University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
M B Gay Ducati Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
M Germain SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
C Ghosh Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
M Giacalone Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
P Giubellino INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
P Giubilato Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy
A M C Glaenzer Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
P Glässel Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
E Glimos University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
D J Q Goh Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, Japan
V Gonzalez Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
L H González-Trueba Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
M Gorgon AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
S Gotovac Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia
V Grabski Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
L K Graczykowski Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
E Grecka Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
A Grelli Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
C Grigoras European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
V Grigoriev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Grigoryan A.I. Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, Yerevan, Armenia Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
F Grosa European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
J F Grosse-Oetringhaus European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R Grosso Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
D Grund Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
G G Guardiano Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
R Guernane Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie, Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS-IN2P3, Grenoble, France
M Guilbaud SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
K Gulbrandsen Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
T Gundem Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
T Gunji University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
W Guo Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
A Gupta Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
R Gupta Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
S P Guzman High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
L Gyulai Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
M K Habib Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
C Hadjidakis Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
F U Haider Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
H Hamagaki Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, Japan
A Hamdi Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
M Hamid Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
Y Han Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
R Hannigan The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
M R Haque Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
J W Harris Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
A Harton Chicago State University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
H Hassan Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
D Hatzifotiadou INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
P Hauer Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
L B Havener Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
S T Heckel Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
E Hellbär Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
H Helstrup Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
M Hemmer Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
T Herman Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
G Herrera Corral Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV), Mexico City and Merida, Mexico
F Herrmann Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
S Herrmann Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
K F Hetland Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
B Heybeck Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
H Hillemanns European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
C Hills University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
B Hippolyte Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
B Hofman Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
B Hohlweger Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
G H Hong Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
M Horst Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
A Horzyk AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
R Hosokawa Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Y Hou Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
P Hristov European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
C Hughes University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
P Huhn Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
L M Huhta University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
C V Hulse Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
T J Humanic Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
H Hushnud Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
A Hutson University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
D Hutter Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
J P Iddon University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
R Ilkaev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
H Ilyas COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
M Inaba University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
G M Innocenti European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
M Ippolitov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Isakov Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
T Isidori University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
M S Islam Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
M Ivanov Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
M Ivanov Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
V Ivanov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Jablonski AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
B Jacak Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
N Jacazio European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
P M Jacobs Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
S Jadlovska Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
J Jadlovsky Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
S Jaelani National Research and Innovation Agency - BRIN, Jakarta, Indonesia
L Jaffe Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
C Jahnke Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
M J Jakubowska Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
M A Janik Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
T Janson Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität Frankfurt Institut für Informatik, Fachbereich Informatik und Mathematik, Frankfurt, Germany
M Jercic Physics department, Faculty of science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
S Jia China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
A A P Jimenez Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
F Jonas Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
J M Jowett European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
J Jung Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
M Jung Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
A Junique European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
A Jusko School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
M J Kabus European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
J Kaewjai Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
P Kalinak Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
A S Kalteyer Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
A Kalweit European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
V Kaplin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Karasu Uysal KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey
D Karatovic Physics department, Faculty of science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
O Karavichev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
T Karavicheva Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
P Karczmarczyk Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
E Karpechev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
U Kebschull Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität Frankfurt Institut für Informatik, Fachbereich Informatik und Mathematik, Frankfurt, Germany
R Keidel Zentrum für Technologie und Transfer (ZTT), Worms, Germany
D L D Keijdener Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
M Keil European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
B Ketzer Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
A M Khan Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
S Khan Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
A Khanzadeev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
Y Kharlov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Khatun Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
A Khuntia The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
M B Kidson University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
B Kileng Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
B Kim Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
C Kim Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
D J Kim University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
E J Kim Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
J Kim Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
J S Kim Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
J Kim Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
J Kim Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
M Kim Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
S Kim Department of Physics, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
T Kim Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
K Kimura Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
S Kirsch Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
I Kisel Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
S Kiselev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Kisiel Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
J P Kitowski AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
J L Klay California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA
J Klein European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
S Klein Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
C Klein-Bösing Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
M Kleiner Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
T Klemenz Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
A Kluge European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
A G Knospe University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
C Kobdaj Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
T Kollegger Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
A Kondratyev Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
E Kondratyuk Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
J Konig Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
S A Konigstorfer Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
P J Konopka European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
G Kornakov Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
S D Koryciak AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
A Kotliarov Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
V Kovalenko Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Kowalski The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
V Kozhuharov Faculty of Physics, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
I Králik Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
A Kravčáková Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
L Kreis Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
M Krivda Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
F Krizek Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
K Krizkova Gajdosova Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
M Kroesen Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
M Krüger Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
D M Krupova Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
E Kryshen Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
V Kučera European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
C Kuhn Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
P G Kuijer Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
T Kumaoka University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
D Kumar Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
L Kumar Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
N Kumar Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
S Kumar Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
S Kundu European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
P Kurashvili National Centre for Nuclear Research, Warsaw, Poland
A Kurepin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A B Kurepin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Kuryakin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Kushpil Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež, Czech Republic
J Kvapil School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
M J Kweon Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
J Y Kwon Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Y Kwon Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
S L La Pointe Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
P La Rocca Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy
Y S Lai Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
A Lakrathok Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
M Lamanna European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R Langoy University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
P Larionov European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
E Laudi European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
L Lautner European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
R Lavicka Stefan Meyer Institut für Subatomare Physik (SMI), Vienna, Austria
T Lazareva Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
R Lea INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy Università di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
H Lee Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City, Republic of Korea
G Legras Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
J Lehrbach Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
R C Lemmon Nuclear Physics Group, STFC Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, United Kingdom
I León Monzón Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacan, Mexico
M M Lesch Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
E D Lesser Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
M Lettrich Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
P Lévai Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
X Li China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
X L Li Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
J Lien University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
R Lietava School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
B Lim Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
S H Lim Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
V Lindenstruth Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
A Lindner Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
C Lippmann Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
A Liu Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
D H Liu Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
J Liu University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
I M Lofnes Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
C Loizides Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
S Lokos The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
P Loncar Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia
J A Lopez Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
X Lopez Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
E López Torres Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba
P Lu Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
J R Luhder Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
M Lunardon Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy
G Luparello INFN, Sezione di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
Y G Ma Fudan University, Shanghai, China
A Maevskaya Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Mager European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
T Mahmoud Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
A Maire Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
M V Makariev Faculty of Physics, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
M Malaev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
G Malfattore Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
N M Malik Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
Q W Malik Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
S K Malik Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
L Malinina Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
D Mal'Kevich Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
D Mallick National Institute of Science Education and Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Jatni, India
N Mallick Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
G Mandaglio Dipartimento di Scienze MIFT, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy INFN, Sezione di Catania, Catania, Italy
V Manko Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
F Manso Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
V Manzari INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
Y Mao Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
G V Margagliotti Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy
A Margotti INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
A Marín Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
C Markert The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
P Martinengo European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
J L Martinez University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
M I Martínez High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
G Martínez García SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
S Masciocchi Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
M Masera Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
A Masoni INFN, Sezione di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
L Massacrier Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
A Mastroserio INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy Università degli Studi di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
A M Mathis Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
O Matonoha Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
P F T Matuoka Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
A Matyja The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
C Mayer The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
A L Mazuecos European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
F Mazzaschi Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
M Mazzilli European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
J E Mdhluli University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
A F Mechler Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Y Melikyan Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), Helsinki, Finland Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Menchaca-Rocha Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
E Meninno Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy Stefan Meyer Institut für Subatomare Physik (SMI), Vienna, Austria
A S Menon University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
M Meres Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
S Mhlanga iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Y Miake University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
L Micheletti INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
L C Migliorin Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
D L Mihaylov Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
K Mikhaylov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A N Mishra Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
D Miśkowiec Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
A Modak Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
A P Mohanty Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
B Mohanty National Institute of Science Education and Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Jatni, India
M Mohisin Khan Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
M A Molander Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), Helsinki, Finland
Z Moravcova Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
C Mordasini Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
D A Moreira De Godoy Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
I Morozov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Morsch European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
T Mrnjavac European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
V Muccifora INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
S Muhuri Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
J D Mulligan Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
A Mulliri Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy
M G Munhoz Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
R H Munzer Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
H Murakami University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
S Murray University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
L Musa European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
J Musinsky Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
J W Myrcha Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
B Naik University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
A I Nambrath Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
B K Nandi Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
R Nania INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
E Nappi INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
A F Nassirpour Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
A Nath Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
C Nattrass University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
M N Naydenov Faculty of Physics, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
A Neagu Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
A Negru University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
L Nellen Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
S V Nesbo Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
G Neskovic Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
D Nesterov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
B S Nielsen Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
E G Nielsen Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
S Nikolaev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Nikulin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
V Nikulin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
F Noferini INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
S Noh Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
P Nomokonov Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
J Norman University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
N Novitzky University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
P Nowakowski Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
A Nyanin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
J Nystrand Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
M Ogino Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, Japan
A Ohlson Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
V A Okorokov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
J Oleniacz Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
A C Oliveira Da Silva University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
M H Oliver Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
A Onnerstad University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
C Oppedisano INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
A Ortiz Velasquez Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
J Otwinowski The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
M Oya Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
K Oyama Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, Japan
Y Pachmayer Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
S Padhan Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
D Pagano INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy Università di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
G Paić Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
A Palasciano INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
S Panebianco Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
H Park University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
H Park Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon City, Republic of Korea
J Park Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
J E Parkkila European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R N Patra Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
B Paul Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy
H Pei Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
T Peitzmann Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
X Peng Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
M Pennisi Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
L G Pereira Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
D Peresunko Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
G M Perez Centro de Aplicaciones Tecnológicas y Desarrollo Nuclear (CEADEN), Havana, Cuba
S Perrin Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
Y Pestov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
V Petráček Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
V Petrov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Petrovici Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
R P Pezzi Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
S Piano INFN, Sezione di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
M Pikna Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
P Pillot SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
O Pinazza European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
L Pinsky University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
C Pinto Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
S Pisano INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
M Płoskoń Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
M Planinic Physics department, Faculty of science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
F Pliquett Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
M G Poghosyan Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
B Polichtchouk Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Politano Dipartimento DISAT del Politecnico and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
N Poljak Physics department, Faculty of science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
A Pop Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
S Porteboeuf-Houssais Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
V Pozdniakov Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
K K Pradhan Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
S K Prasad Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
S Prasad Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
R Preghenella INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
F Prino INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
C A Pruneau Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
I Pshenichnov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Puccio European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
S Pucillo Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
Z Pugelova Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
S Qiu Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
L Quaglia Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
R E Quishpe University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
S Ragoni Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
A Rakotozafindrabe Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
L Ramello INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy Università del Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy
F Rami Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
S A R Ramirez High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
T A Rancien Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie, Université Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS-IN2P3, Grenoble, France
M Rasa Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Catania, Italy
S S Räsänen Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), Helsinki, Finland
R Rath Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
M P Rauch Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
I Ravasenga Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
K F Read Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
C Reckziegel Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil
A R Redelbach Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
K Redlich National Centre for Nuclear Research, Warsaw, Poland
A Rehman Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
F Reidt European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
H A Reme-Ness Faculty of Engineering and Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
Z Rescakova Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
K Reygers Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
A Riabov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
V Riabov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
R Ricci Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
M Richter Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
A A Riedel Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
W Riegler European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
C Ristea Institute of Space Science (ISS), Bucharest, Romania
M Rodríguez Cahuantzi High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
K Røed Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
R Rogalev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
E Rogochaya Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
T S Rogoschinski Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
D Rohr European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
D Röhrich Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
P F Rojas High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
S Rojas Torres Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
P S Rokita Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
G Romanenko Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
F Ronchetti INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
A Rosano Dipartimento di Scienze MIFT, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy INFN, Sezione di Catania, Catania, Italy
E D Rosas Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
A Rossi INFN, Sezione di Padova, Padova, Italy
A Roy Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
S Roy Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
N Rubini Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
O V Rueda Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
D Ruggiano Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
R Rui Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy
B Rumyantsev Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
P G Russek AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow, Poland
R Russo Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
A Rustamov National Nuclear Research Center, Baku, Azerbaijan
E Ryabinkin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
Y Ryabov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Rybicki The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
H Rytkonen University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
W Rzesa Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
O A M Saarimaki Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), Helsinki, Finland
R Sadek SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
S Sadhu Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
S Sadovsky Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
J Saetre Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
K Šafařík Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
S K Saha Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
S Saha National Institute of Science Education and Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Jatni, India
B Sahoo Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
R Sahoo Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
S Sahoo Institute of Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhubaneswar, India
D Sahu Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
P K Sahu Institute of Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhubaneswar, India
J Saini Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
K Sajdakova Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
S Sakai University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
M P Salvan Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
S Sambyal Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
I Sanna European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
T B Saramela Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
D Sarkar Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
N Sarkar Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
P Sarma Gauhati University, Department of Physics, Guwahati, India
V Sarritzu Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy
V M Sarti Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
M H P Sas Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
J Schambach Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
H S Scheid Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
C Schiaua Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
R Schicker Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
A Schmah Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
C Schmidt Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
H R Schmidt Physikalisches Institut, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
M O Schmidt European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
M Schmidt Physikalisches Institut, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
N V Schmidt Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
A R Schmier University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
R Schotter Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
A Schröter Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
J Schukraft European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
K Schwarz Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
K Schweda Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
G Scioli Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
E Scomparin INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
J E Seger Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Y Sekiguchi University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
D Sekihata University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
I Selyuzhenkov Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Senyukov Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000 Strasbourg, France, Strasbourg, France
J J Seo Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
D Serebryakov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
L Šerkšnytė Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
A Sevcenco Institute of Space Science (ISS), Bucharest, Romania
T J Shaba iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, Somerset West, South Africa
A Shabetai SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
R Shahoyan European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
A Shangaraev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A Sharma Physics Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
D Sharma Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
H Sharma The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
M Sharma Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
S Sharma Nagasaki Institute of Applied Science, Nagasaki, Japan
S Sharma Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
U Sharma Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
A Shatat Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
O Sheibani University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
K Shigaki Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
M Shimomura Nara Women's University (NWU), Nara, Japan
J Shin Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
S Shirinkin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
Q Shou Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Y Sibiriak Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S Siddhanta INFN, Sezione di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
T Siemiarczuk National Centre for Nuclear Research, Warsaw, Poland
T F Silva Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
D Silvermyr Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
T Simantathammakul Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
R Simeonov Faculty of Physics, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
B Singh Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
B Singh Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
R Singh National Institute of Science Education and Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Jatni, India
R Singh Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
R Singh Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
S Singh Department of Physics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
V K Singh Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
V Singhal Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
T Sinha Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
B Sitar Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
M Sitta INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy Università del Piemonte Orientale, Vercelli, Italy
T B Skaali Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
G Skorodumovs Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
M Slupecki Helsinki Institute of Physics (HIP), Helsinki, Finland
N Smirnov Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
R J M Snellings Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
E H Solheim Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
J Song University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
A Songmoolnak Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
F Soramel Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Padova, Italy
R Spijkers Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
I Sputowska The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Cracow, Poland
J Staa Lund University Department of Physics, Division of Particle Physics, Lund, Sweden
J Stachel Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
I Stan Institute of Space Science (ISS), Bucharest, Romania
P J Steffanic University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
S F Stiefelmaier Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
D Stocco SUBATECH, IMT Atlantique, Nantes Université, CNRS-IN2P3, Nantes, France
I Storehaug Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
P Stratmann Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
S Strazzi Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Bologna, Italy
C P Stylianidis Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
A A P Suaide Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
C Suire Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
M Sukhanov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Suljic European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
R Sultanov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
V Sumberia Physics Department, University of Jammu, Jammu, India
S Sumowidagdo National Research and Innovation Agency - BRIN, Jakarta, Indonesia
S Swain Institute of Physics, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Bhubaneswar, India
I Szarka Comenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
S F Taghavi Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
G Taillepied Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
J Takahashi Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
G J Tambave Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
S Tang Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Z Tang University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
J D Tapia Takaki University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
N Tapus University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
L A Tarasovicova Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
M G Tarzila Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
G F Tassielli Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
A Tauro European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
G Tejeda Muñoz High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
A Telesca European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
L Terlizzi Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
C Terrevoli University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
G Tersimonov Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
S Thakur Bose Institute, Department of Physics, and Centre for Astroparticle Physics and Space Science (CAPSS), Kolkata, India
D Thomas The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
A Tikhonov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
A R Timmins University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
M Tkacik Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
T Tkacik Technical University of Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
A Toia Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
R Tokumoto Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
N Topilskaya Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Toppi INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
F Torales-Acosta Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
T Tork Laboratoire de Physique des 2 Infinis, Irène Joliot-Curie, Orsay, France
A G Torres Ramos Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
A Trifiró Dipartimento di Scienze MIFT, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy INFN, Sezione di Catania, Catania, Italy
A S Triolo Dipartimento di Scienze MIFT, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy INFN, Sezione di Catania, Catania, Italy
S Tripathy INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
T Tripathy Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT), Mumbai, India
S Trogolo European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
V Trubnikov Bogolyubov Institute for Theoretical Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
W H Trzaska University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
T P Trzcinski Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
A Tumkin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
R Turrisi INFN, Sezione di Padova, Padova, Italy
T S Tveter Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
K Ullaland Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
B Ulukutlu Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
A Uras Université de Lyon, CNRS/IN2P3, Institut de Physique des 2 Infinis de Lyon, Lyon, France
M Urioni INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy Università di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
G L Usai Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Cagliari, Italy
M Vala Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
N Valle Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
L V R van Doremalen Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
M van Leeuwen Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
C A van Veen Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
R J G van Weelden Nikhef, National institute for subatomic physics, Amsterdam, Netherlands
P Vande Vyvre European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
D Varga Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
Z Varga Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
M Vasileiou National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Science, Department of Physics, Athens, Greece
A Vasiliev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
O Vázquez Doce INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati, Frascati, Italy
V Vechernin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
E Vercellin Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Turin, Italy
S Vergara Limón High Energy Physics Group, Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
L Vermunt Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
R Vértesi Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Budapest, Hungary
M Verweij Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP), Utrecht University/Nikhef, Utrecht, Netherlands
L Vickovic Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia
Z Vilakazi University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
O Villalobos Baillie School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
G Vino INFN, Sezione di Bari, Bari, Italy
A Vinogradov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
T Virgili Dipartimento di Fisica 'E.R. Caianiello' dell' Università and Gruppo Collegato INFN, Salerno, Italy
V Vislavicius Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
A Vodopyanov Affiliated with an international laboratory covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
B Volkel European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
M A Völkl Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
K Voloshin Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
S A Voloshin Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
G Volpe Dipartimento Interateneo di Fisica 'M. Merlin' and Sezione INFN, Bari, Italy
B von Haller European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
I Vorobyev Physik Department, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
N Vozniuk Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
J Vrláková Faculty of Science, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovak Republic
C Wang Fudan University, Shanghai, China
D Wang Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Y Wang Fudan University, Shanghai, China
A Wegrzynek European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
F T Weiglhofer Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
S C Wenzel European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
J P Wessels Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
S L Weyhmiller Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
J Wiechula Institut für Kernphysik, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
J Wikne Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
G Wilk National Centre for Nuclear Research, Warsaw, Poland
J Wilkinson Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
G A Willems Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Institut für Kernphysik, Munster, Germany
B Windelband Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
M Winn Université Paris-Saclay Centre d'Etudes de Saclay (CEA), IRFU, Départment de Physique Nucléaire (DPhN), Saclay, France
J R Wright The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
W Wu Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Y Wu University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
R Xu Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
A Yadav Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
A K Yadav Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Kolkata, India
S Yalcin KTO Karatay University, Konya, Turkey
Y Yamaguchi Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
K Yamakawa Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
S Yang Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
S Yano Physics Program and International Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (SKCM2), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
Z Yin Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
I-K Yoo Department of Physics, Pusan National University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
J H Yoon Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
S Yuan Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
A Yuncu Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
V Zaccolo Dipartimento di Fisica dell'Università and Sezione INFN, Trieste, Italy
C Zampolli European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland
F Zanone Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
N Zardoshti European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
A Zarochentsev Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
P Závada Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
N Zaviyalov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
M Zhalov Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
B Zhang Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
L Zhang Fudan University, Shanghai, China
S Zhang Fudan University, Shanghai, China
X Zhang Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
Y Zhang University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
Z Zhang Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
M Zhao China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
V Zherebchevskii Affiliated with an institute covered by a cooperation agreement with CERN
Y Zhi China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, China
D Zhou Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
Y Zhou Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
J Zhu Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China Research Division and ExtreMe Matter Institute EMMI, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
Y Zhu Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
S C Zugravel INFN, Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
N Zurlo INFN, Sezione di Pavia, Pavia, Italy Università di Brescia, Brescia, Italy

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Phlegmonous Colitis after Cold Snare Polypectomy in an Immunosuppressed Patient: A Case Report

Introduction

Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is a procedure with a low risk of complications. Here, we present our experience of a rare case of submucosal abscess following CSP in an immunosuppressed patient.

Case Presentation

Seventy-eight-year-old man underwent CSP, developing a fever, chills, and right lower abdominal pain 8 days later. Ultrasound and computed tomography revealed wall thickening of the ascending colon, presenting as whitening and thickening of the same region, and excretion of pus was observed after biopsy. The diagnosis was made as phlegmonous colitis, for which antibiotic therapy was commenced. The patient was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) during admission. We considered the following reasons as possible causes of infectious complications after CSP: (1) the patient had a highly immunosuppressed state with comorbidities such as CMML as well as diabetes mellitus and (2) disruption of the mucosal barrier occurred during endoscopic resection.

Conclusion

Although CSP is generally considered safe, our case highlights the potential for serious complications in immunosuppressed patients. Therefore, the decision to perform CSP in such patients should be made with caution to avoid unnecessary interventions. In instances where treatment is essential, thorough bowel preparation and prophylactic antibiotic use may be necessary to mitigate the risks.

Feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery for total pelvic exenteration for advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for total pelvic exenteration (TPE) in advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies.

METHODS

Using a prospectively collected database, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical, surgical, and pathological outcomes of TAMIS for TPE. Surgery was performed between September 2019 and April 2023. The median follow-up period was 22 months (2-45 months).

RESULTS

Fifteen consecutive patients were included in this analysis M:F = 14:1 and median (range) age was 63 (36-74). Their diagnoses were as follows: primary rectal cancer (n = 5; 33%), recurrent rectal cancer (n = 4; 27%), primary anorectal cancer (n = 5; 33%), and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 1; 7%). Bladder-sparing TPE was selected for two patients (13%). In nine of 15 patients (60%) the anal sphincter could be successfully preserved, five patients (33%) required combined resection of the internal iliac vessels, and two (13%) required rectus muscle flap reconstruction. The median operative time was 723 min (561-1082), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 195 ml (30-1520). The Clavien-Dindo classifications of the postoperative complications were as follows: grade 0-2 (n = 11; 73%); 3a (n = 3; 20%); 3b (n = 1; 7%); and ≥ 4 (n = 0; 0%). No cases of conversion to laparotomy or mortality were observed. The pathological results demonstrated that R0 was achieved in 14 patients (93%).

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term outcomes of this initial experience proved that this novel approach is feasible for TPE, with low blood loss, acceptable postoperative complications, and a satisfactory R0 resection rate.

Exploration of predictors associated with bleeding in computed tomography-guided core needle splenic biopsy: A retrospective study

Splenic diseases may be caused by infections and can be either malignant, such as lymphoma and lung cancer, or benign, such as hemangioma. In some cases, diagnostic uncertainty of imaging persists, and image-guided splenic needle biopsy is a useful diagnostic tool to avoid the disadvantages of incorrect diagnosis, including performing unnecessary splenectomy or not giving the necessary treatment. Splenic biopsies can be divided into ultrasound-guided, computed tomography (CT)-guided fine-needle aspiration, or core needle biopsy (CNB). However, few studies have focused exclusively on complications associated with CT-guided CNB of the spleen. Therefore, we assessed bleeding, the most common complication of CT-guided CNB of the spleen, and evaluated factors associated with the bleeding. Using the biopsy database maintained at the institution, all patients who underwent CT-guided CNB of the spleen between May 2012 and September 2022 were identified retrospectively. The 18 identified patients were divided into post-biopsy bleeding and non-bleeding groups for analysis. In total, 17 patients (94.4%) could be diagnosed accurately with CT-guided CNB. Bleeding complications occurred in 7 cases of CT-guided CNB; of these, 2 patients with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 4 disease required transcatheter arterial embolization. The bleeding group was characterized by diffuse spleen tumors in all cases, with significantly more diffuse spleen tumors than the non-bleeding group. CT-guided CNB is a useful option for neoplastic lesions of the spleen that are difficult to diagnose using imaging alone. However, consideration should be given to post-biopsy bleeding in patients with diffuse splenic tumors.

Measurements of Groomed-Jet Substructure of Charm Jets Tagged by D^{0} Mesons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Understanding the role of parton mass and Casimir color factors in the quantum chromodynamics parton shower represents an important step in characterizing the emission properties of heavy quarks. Recent experimental advances in jet substructure techniques have provided the opportunity to isolate and characterize gluon emissions from heavy quarks. In this Letter, the first direct experimental constraint on the charm-quark splitting function is presented, obtained via the measurement of the groomed shared momentum fraction of the first splitting in charm jets, tagged by a reconstructed D^{0} meson. The measurement is made in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in the low jet transverse-momentum interval of 15≤p_{T}^{jet ch}<30  GeV/c where the emission properties are sensitive to parton mass effects. In addition, the opening angle of the first perturbative emission of the charm quark, as well as the number of perturbative emissions it undergoes, is reported. Comparisons to measurements of an inclusive-jet sample show a steeper splitting function for charm quarks compared with gluons and light quarks. Charm quarks also undergo fewer perturbative emissions in the parton shower, with a reduced probability of large-angle emissions.

Measurement of the Lifetime and Λ Separation Energy of _{Λ}^{3}H

The most precise measurements to date of the _{Λ}^{3}H lifetime τ and Λ separation energy B_{Λ} are obtained using the data sample of Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV collected by ALICE at the LHC. The _{Λ}^{3}H is reconstructed via its charged two-body mesonic decay channel (_{Λ}^{3}H→^{3}He+π^{-} and the charge-conjugate process). The measured values τ=[253±11(stat)±6(syst)]  ps and B_{Λ}=[102±63(stat)±67(syst)]  keV are compatible with predictions from effective field theories and confirm that the _{Λ}^{3}H structure is consistent with a weakly bound system.

Enhanced Deuteron Coalescence Probability in Jets

The transverse-momentum (p_{T}) spectra and coalescence parameters B_{2} of (anti)deuterons are measured in p-p collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV for the first time in and out of jets. In this measurement, the direction of the leading particle with the highest p_{T} in the event (p_{T}^{lead}>5  GeV/c) is used as an approximation for the jet axis. The event is consequently divided into three azimuthal regions, and the jet signal is obtained as the difference between the toward region, that contains jet fragmentation products in addition to the underlying event (UE), and the transverse region, which is dominated by the UE. The coalescence parameter in the jet is found to be approximately a factor of 10 larger than that in the underlying event. This experimental observation is consistent with the coalescence picture and can be attributed to the smaller average phase-space distance between nucleons in the jet cone as compared with the underlying event. The results presented in this Letter are compared to predictions from a simple nucleon coalescence model, where the phase-space distributions of nucleons are generated using pythia8 with the Monash 2013 tuning, and to predictions from a deuteron production model based on ordinary nuclear reactions with parametrized energy-dependent cross sections tuned on data. The latter model is implemented in pythia8.3. Both models reproduce the observed large difference between in-jet and out-of-jet coalescence parameters, although the almost flat trend of the B_{2}^{Jet} is not reproduced by the models, which instead give a decreasing trend.

Endoscopic Papillary Balloon Dilation Can Be Safely Performed in Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), a low-risk procedure for bleeding, has been suggested as an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy for papillary dilatation in patients undergoing endoscopic stone removal who are at a higher risk of bleeding. Several guidelines recommend that combination of two antiplatelet agents should be reduced to single antiplatelet therapy when endoscopic sphincterotomy is performed. However, there is no evidence that EPBD affects the risk of bleeding in patients receiving a combination of two antiplatelet agents; thus, we aimed to explore this problem.

METHODS

We included 31 patients who underwent EPBD for common bile duct stones at our hospital from May 2014 to August 2022 and received either a combination of two antiplatelet agents or single antiplatelet therapy prior to the procedure. The group receiving a combination of two antiplatelet agents included patients who underwent EPBT without antiplatelet therapy withdrawal or with a shorter withdrawal period than those recommended by the guidelines.

RESULTS

In the group that received a combination of two antiplatelet agents, one of the two antiplatelet agents used was thienopyridine. No bleeding was observed after EPBD in this study. We did not find any significant between-group differences in hemoglobin levels and rate of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients treated with a combination of two antiplatelet agents, EPBD could be safely performed without bleeding. Therefore, future prospective studies are warranted.

Optimization of a fast deuterium diagnostic method based on visible energetic 3He spectroscopy for high electron density plasmas

Fast ions play a crucial role in plasma heating, and their behavior in the plasma must be accurately understood. A diagnostics method based on charge exchange emission from the n = 4 - 3 transition (λ0 = 468.6 nm) of energetic 3He produced by the deuteron-deuteron reaction has been proposed as a for fast deuterons with energies in the order of MeV. The proposed method has the following advantages: No beam emission interferes with the spectra, the direction of the measuring line of sight, and the injection angle of the diagnostic beam can be freely determined. In previous studies, due to competing bremsstrahlung, it was expected that the proposed method will not be practical in the case of high electron density operation. This paper makes the proposed method available for measurement even at high electron densities by optimizing the measurement line of sight direction and the diagnostic beam incidence angle. This allows an electron density five times larger than the range of applications shown in previous studies. This result will contribute to measure of DT alpha in ITER.

A case of unsuccessful obliteration of percutaneous transhepatic gastric varices using the IMPEDE embolization plug

Key Clinical Message

Embolization with IMPEDE embolization plug cannot be confirmed on site. Therefore, we propose that the diameter of the device selected be up to 50% larger than the vein diameter to prevent embolization failure and recanalization.

Abstract

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration and percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) are performed for treating sporadic gastric varices. IMPEDE embolization plug has been recently developed for these procedures; however, no studies have reported its use. This is the first report on its use in PTO of gastric varices.

Comprehensive review on small common bile duct stones

Common bile duct stones are among the most common conditions encountered by endoscopists. Therefore, it is well researched; however, some items, such as indications for endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD), safety of EPBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulant, selection strategy for retrieval balloons and baskets, lack adequate evidence. Therefore, the guidelines have been updated with new research, while others remain unchanged due to weak evidence. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the standard methods in guidelines and new findings from recent studies on papillary dilation, stone retrieval devices, difficult-to-treat cases, troubleshooting during the procedure, and complicated cases of cholangitis, cholecystolithiasis, or distal biliary stricture.

Comprehensive review on endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition techniques for solid pancreatic tumor

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is speculated to become the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030, a high mortality rate considering the number of cases. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment options, but they are burdensome for patients. A clear histological diagnosis is needed to determine a treatment plan, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition (TA) is a suitable technique that does not worsen the cancer-specific prognosis even for lesions at risk of needle tract seeding. With the development of personalized medicine and precision treatment, there has been an increasing demand to increase cell counts and collect specimens while preserving tissue structure, leading to the development of the fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needle. EUS-FNB is rapidly replacing EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) as the procedure of choice for EUS-TA of pancreatic cancer. However, EUS-FNA is sometimes necessary where the FNB needle cannot penetrate small hard lesions, so it is important clinicians are familiar with both. Given these recent dev-elopments, we present an up-to-date review of the role of EUS-TA in pancreatic cancer. Particularly, technical aspects, such as needle caliber, negative pressure, and puncture methods, for obtaining an adequate specimen in EUS-TA are discussed.

Antithrombotic monotherapy for stable coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation patients with and without prior coronary artery revascularization: Insights from the AFIRE trial

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation under a contract with Bayer Yakuhin

Background

The AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban monotherapy was noninferior to combination therapy with rivaroxaban plus a single antiplatelet therapy regarding efficacy and superior for safety endpoints in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease including patients not requiring revascularization [prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or bypass grafting (CABG)].

Purpose

The aim of this post-hoc subgroup analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban monotherapy compared to combination therapy in patients with and without prior revascularization.

Methods

Among 2,215 patients included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis in the AFIRE trial, 1445 patients (65.2%) had undergone previous PCI alone, and 252 (11.4%) had undergone previous CABG. The remaining 518 patients (23.4%) was categorized as a group without prior revascularization and then compared with a group with prior revascularization (PCI or CABG). The primary efficacy end point was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, or death from any cause. The primary safety end point was major bleeding, according to the criteria of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

Results

In 1697 patients with prior revascularization, efficacy and safety endpoints of rivaroxaban monotherapy were superior to combination therapy (efficacy: HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.45-0.85, p=0.003; safety: HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.39-0.98, p=0.040), whereas there were no significant differences in efficacy and safety endpoints among 518 patients without prior revascularization (efficacy: HR 1.19, 95%CI 0.67-2.11, p=0.553; safety: HR 0.47, 95%CI 0.18-1.26, p=0.125). There was a borderline interaction of efficacy endpoint (P for interaction=0.055) by randomized treatment assignment (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Compared with combination therapy, the safety benefit of rivaroxaban monotherapy on any bleeding was significant in patients without prior revascularization (HR 0.59, 95%CI 0.38-0.93, p=0.022).

Conclusions

In patients with prior PCI or CABG, rivaroxaban monotherapy resulted in more favorable safety and efficacy outcomes than combination therapy. There was a borderline interaction for primary efficacy outcome between prior revascularization and anti-thrombotic therapy.

Effectiveness of early colonoscopy in patients with colonic diverticular hemorrhage: A single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend colonoscopy within 24 h for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding; however, the evidence in support for colonic diverticular hemorrhage (CDH) indications remains insufficient.

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of early colonoscopy on the length of hospital stay for CDH patients.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent colonoscopy within 24 h of presentation (early group) were compared with those who underwent colonoscopy beyond 24 h of presentation (elective group). The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay, and secondary outcomes were the identification of stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH), rebleeding, red blood cell transfusion more than 4 units, and interventional radiology and abdominal surgery after colonoscopy.

RESULTS

We identified 574 CDH cases. Patients were divided into the early (n = 328) and elective (n = 226) groups. After propensity score matching, 191 pairs were generated. The length of hospital stay did not significantly differ between the two groups (early group vs elective group; median, 7 vs 8 d; P = 0.10). The early group had a significantly high identification of SRH (risk difference, 11.6%; 95%CI: 2.7 to 20.3; P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in the rebleeding (risk difference, 4.7%; 95%CI: -4.1 to 13.5; P = 0.35), red blood cell transfusion more than 4 units (risk difference, 1.6%; 95%CI: -7.5 to 10.6; P = 0.82), and interventional radiology and abdominal surgery rate after colonoscopy (risk difference, 0.5%; 95%CI: -2.2 to 3.2; P = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Early colonoscopy within 24 h, on arrival for CDH, could not improve the length of hospital stay.

Effect of rivaroxaban monotherapy vs. combination with anti-platelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease across different body mass index categories

Background

The AFIRE (Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events With Rivaroxaban in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease) trial showed both noninferiority for efficacy and superiority for safety endpoints of rivaroxaban monotherapy compared to rivaroxaban plus antiplatelet therapy (combination therapy) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). However, no accumulating evidence regarding efficacy and safety of these fixed-dose direct oral anticoagulant therapy was available in underweight and obese patients.

Purpose

The aim of this post-hoc analysis of the AFIRE trial was to evaluate outcomes of rivaroxaban monotherapy (vs. combination therapy) in patients with AF and stable CAD across body mass index (BMI) categories.

Methods

Patients were categorized into groups 1 (underweight: BMI of &lt;18.5 kg/m2), 2 (normal: BMI of 18.5 to &lt;25 kg/m2), 3 (overweight: BMI of 25 to &lt;30 kg/m2), and 4 (obesity: BMI of ≥30 kg/m2). Efficacy (a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, stroke, or systemic embolism) and safety (major bleeding defined according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria) were compared between rivaroxaban monotherapy and combination therapy across BMI categories.

Results

We analyzed 2,054 patients with a median age of 75.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 69 to 80)) years old and CHA2DS2-VASc of 4 (IQR, 3 to 5). Group 1 through 4 included 72 (3.5%), 1,158 (56.4%), 680 (33.1%), 144 (7.0%) patients and 62.3%, 52.3%, 36.2%, and 30.3% were received reduced dose of rivaroxaban, respectively. Although the sample sizes for group 1 and 4 were limited, monotherapy was superior to combination therapy for efficacy in group 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.95) and safety in group 3 (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.62), whereas a significant difference in the endpoints was not observed in the other BMI categories. Impact of monotherapy on endpoints did not have a significant interaction in BMI.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban monotherapy had similar effect on prognosis across all BMI categories in patients with AF and stable CAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation based on a contract with Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd

Clinical features and progress of ischemic gastritis with high fatalities: Seven case reports

BACKGROUND

Ischemic gastritis is a clinically rare and highly fatal disease that occurs when the hemodynamics of a patient with vascular risk is disrupted. Early diagnosis and treatment are possible only with upper endoscopy after symptom appearance. We report seven cases of ischemic gastritis and its clinical features, prognosis, and indicators that may help in early detection.

CASE SUMMARY

Of the seven patients, six had vascular risk and five died within 2 wk of diagnosis. Their symptoms included hematemesis and hypotension. Although surgery is a choice for radical treatment, not all patients were tolerant. For such patients, conservative treatment was selected, but all of them died. In contrast, patients who underwent repeat endoscopy showed improved mucosal findings, suggesting that this improvement may not affect prognosis. Some ischemic changes such as wall thickening, mural emphysema, and fluid retention in the stomach were observed before diagnosis through endoscopy and computed tomography (CT). The CT scan can be effective for early detection, and improvement in circulatory failure and aggressive treatment may save the lives of patients with this disease.

CONCLUSION

The characteristic CT findings enable early detection of ischemic gastritis. Early diagnosis increases the chance of survival if early therapeutic intervention and improvement of circulatory dynamics can be achieved in this highly fatal disease.

Renal and Vascular Effects of Combined SGLT2 and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition

BACKGROUND

The cardiorenal effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition (empagliflozin 25 mg QD) combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ramipril 10 mg QD) were assessed in this mechanistic study in patients with type 1 diabetes with potential renal hyperfiltration.

METHODS

Thirty patients (out of 31 randomized) completed this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Recruitment was stopped early because of an unexpectedly low proportion of patients with hyperfiltration. Measurements were obtained after each of the 6 treatment phases over 19 weeks: (1) baseline without treatment, (2) 4-week run-in with ramipril treatment alone, (3) 4-week combined empagliflozin-ramipril treatment, (4) a 4-week washout, (5) 4-week combined placebo-ramipril treatment, and (6) 1-week follow-up. The primary end point was glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after combination treatment with empagliflozin-ramipril compared with placebo-ramipril. GFR was corrected for ramipril treatment alone before randomization. At the end of study phase, the following outcomes were measured under clamped euglycemia (4 to 6 mmol/L): inulin (GFR) and para-aminohippurate (effective renal plasma flow) clearances, tubular sodium handling, ambulatory blood pressure, arterial stiffness, heart rate variability, noninvasive cardiac output monitoring, plasma and urine biochemistry, markers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Combination treatment with empagliflozin-ramipril resulted in an 8 mL/min/1.73 m² lower GFR compared with placebo-ramipril treatment (P=0.0061) without significant changes to effective renal plasma flow. GFR decrease was accompanied by a 21.3 mL/min lower absolute proximal fluid reabsorption rate (P=0.0092), a 3.1 mmol/min lower absolute proximal sodium reabsorption rate (P=0.0056), and a 194 ng/mmol creatinine lower urinary 8-isoprostane level (P=0.0084) relative to placebo-ramipril combination treatment. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor/angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor combination treatment resulted in additive blood pressure-lowering effects (clinic systolic blood pressure lower by 4 mm Hg [P=0.0112]; diastolic blood pressure lower by 3 mm Hg [P=0.0032]) in conjunction with a 94.5 dynes × sex/cm⁵ lower total peripheral resistance (P=0.0368). There were no significant changes observed to ambulatory blood pressure, arterial stiffness, heart rate variability, or cardiac output with the addition of empagliflozin.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor resulted in an expected GFR dip, suppression of oxidative stress markers, additive declines in blood pressure and total peripheral resistance. These changes are consistent with a protective physiologic profile characterized by the lowering of intraglomerular pressure and related cardiorenal risk when adding a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor to conservative therapy.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT02632747.

Liver cyst with biliary communication treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage: A case report

RATIONALE

Simple liver cysts are common, and usually benign and asymptomatic, requiring little to no treatment. Liver cysts with biliary communication, however, are rare and require effective treatment to avoid recurrence.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 70-year-old woman with breast cancer visited our hospital for treatment. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension and bilateral lower leg edema.

DIAGNOSIS

Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a giant liver cyst, inducing inferior vena cava compression that was causing her edema.

INTERVENTIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic cyst drainage was performed. Since the bilirubin level in the drained fluid was high, the patient was diagnosed with a liver cyst with biliary communication. After the procedure, her symptoms improved and the cyst decreased in size. However, the drainage volume did not decrease after approximately 2 weeks. Sclerotherapy with minocycline was ineffective. Thus, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed, and an endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube was inserted. The percutaneous drainage tube was clamped, and the cyst showed increase in size. Therefore, endoscopic ultrasound-guided cyst drainage, which is less invasive than surgery, was performed.

OUTCOMES

The cyst tended to decrease in size even after the percutaneous drainage tube had been removed. At 3years follow-up, the cyst has almost disappeared.

LESSONS

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage can treat liver cyst with biliary communication.

Genetic diversity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii isolated from raw milk in Hokkaido, Japan

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play important roles in acid production and flavor formation in fermented dairy products. Lactic acid bacteria strains with distinct characteristics confer unique features to products. Diverse LAB have been identified in raw milk and traditional fermented milk prepared from raw milk. However, little is known about LAB in raw milk in Japan. To preserve diverse LAB as potential starters or probiotics for future use, we have isolated and identified various kinds of LAB from raw milk produced in Japan. In this study, we focused on Lactobacillus delbrueckii, one of the most important species in the dairy industry. We identified L. delbrueckii subspecies isolated from raw milk in Hokkaido, Japan, by analyzing intraspecific diversity using 4 distinct methods, hsp60 cluster analysis, multilocus sequence analysis, core-genome analysis, and whole-genome analysis based on average nucleotide identity. The subspecies distribution and a new dominant subset of L. delbrueckii from raw milk in Japan were revealed. The discovery of new strains with different genotypes is important for understanding the geographic distribution and characteristics of the bacteria and further their use as a microbial resource with the potential to express unconventional flavors and functionalities. The strains identified in this study may have practical applications in the development of fermented dairy products.

Direct oral anticoagulants increase bleeding risk after endoscopic sphincterotomy: a retrospective study

Background

Bleeding can be a serious adverse event of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). However, the risk of EST bleeding between direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) users and those who received no antithrombotic agents has not been clarified. This study analyzed the risk factors for bleeding after EST in patients on DOAC and evaluated the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES) guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy in patients undergoing antithrombotic treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 524 patients treated with EST who received DOAC or no antithrombotic drug from May 2016 to August 2019. We investigated the risk factors for bleeding. DOAC was typically discontinued for ≤ 1-day based on the JGES guideline. Although DOAC therapy recommenced the next morning after EST in principle, the duration of DOAC cessation and heparin replacement were determined by the attending physician based on each patient’s status.

Results

The number of patients on DOAC (DOAC group) and those not on antithrombotic drug (no-drug group) was 42 (8.0%) and 482 (92.0%), respectively. DOAC was discontinued for ≤ 1-day in 17 (40.0%) patients and for > 1-day in 25 (60.0%). Of the 524 patients, 21 (4.0%) had EST bleeding. The bleeding rate was higher in the DOAC group (14.0%) (p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that bleeding occurred more frequently in patients on DOAC (odds ratio [OR] 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–11.4, p = 0.011), patients with low platelet counts (< 100,000/µl) (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.1–21.6, p = 0.001), and elderly patients (> 80 years old) (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.17–9.65, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

DOAC treatment, low platelet count, and old age (> 80 years old) are risk factors for EST bleeding. Although the bleeding incidence increased in patients on DOAC who received antithrombotic therapy according to the JGES guidelines, successful hemostasis was achieved with endoscopy in all cases, and no thrombotic events occurred after cessation of DOAC. Thus, the JGES guidelines are acceptable.

Effect of Antibiotic Resistance of Pathogens on Initial Antibiotic Therapy for Patients With Cholangitis

Objectives

Considering that pathogens resistant to initial antibiotic therapies for cholangitis can affect mortality rates, appropriate initial empiric antibiotic therapy is important. However, evidence regarding the influence of pathogens resistant to initial antibiotics in patients with cholangitis who have undergone early endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is limited, and the conditions in several cases can improve with early ERCP even when pathogens resistant to initial antibiotics are detected on time. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of pathogens resistant to initial antibiotics on the course of cholangitis in patients undergoing early ERCP.

Materials and methods

Patients (n=266) with positive blood or bile culture results treated with early ERCP were divided into those with cultures that were resistant to the initial antibiotics (antibiotic-resistant group; n=66; 24.8%) and those with cultures that were sensitive to the initial antibiotics (antibiotic-sensitive group; n=200; 75.2%). The duration of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality rates due to cholangitis, rates of increased disease severity, and complications during hospitalization were studied.

Results

Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Pseudomonas species showed high resistance to several antibiotics. No significant between-group differences were found in the duration of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality rates due to cholangitis, and rates of increased disease severity. However, the rate of post-ERCP cholecystitis was significantly higher in the antibiotic-resistant group than in the antibiotic-sensitive group (p=0.0245).

Conclusions

Even if the initial antibiotics were ineffective, the rate of fatal outcomes did not increase among patients with cholangitis who had undergone early ERCP. However, when initial antibiotics were ineffective, the frequency of post-ERCP cholecystitis increased even after early bile duct decompression.

Cardio-renal protective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and severely impaired renal function

Background

Prognostic impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular and renal outcome was unknown in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and severely impaired renal function.

Methods

From July 2015 to December 2020, patients with type-2 DM who were taken SGLT2 inhibitors for more than six months were retrospectively screened. Patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 60ml/min/1.73m2 were excluded. We divided those patients into two groups by eGFR; less than 45ml/min/1,73m2 were group A and 46–60ml/min/m2 were group B. Randomly selected patients with DM not taking SGLT2 inhibitors and having severe renal dysfunction: eGFR less than 45ml/min/m2 (Group C) were set as controls. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular/renal death, initiation of dialysis, doubling of the serum creatine level, decline in the eGFR more than 30%, nonfatal myocardial infraction, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure.

Results

Totally 418 patients were enrolled. Median age was 71 years (group A, n=106), 64 years (group B, n=115), and 77 years (group C, n=201) (p&lt;0.001). After median 24 months follow-up, primary endpoints were observed 24.5% in group A, 4.3% in group B, 36.8% in group C (p&lt;0.001). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, significantly lower incidence of primary endpoints were observed in SGLT2 groups (group A and B) than controls (p&lt;0.001, Figure 1). In patients with severe renal dysfunction, taking SGLT2 inhibitors tended to decrease future renal event (Figure 2). The incidence of SGLT2 related adverse events was not different between 2 groups (A and B).

Conclusions

Even in patients with severe renal dysfunction, SGLT2 inhibitors would have cardio-renal protective effects without drug-related adverse effects.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of polypharmacy on prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: from the CURE-HF registry

Background

Polypharmacy would be associated with poor prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

In 863 patients who discharged after treatment for HF were prospectively enrolled. Number of tablets prescribed at discharge was counted. Death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and hospitalization for HF were tracked.

Results

In our study cohort (median age, 78), 447 patients experienced adverse events during median 503 days follow-up. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, a greater number of prescribed tablets was associated with future adverse cardiac events in the crude population. Although patients with the greater number of non-HF medications showed worse outcome, those of HF medications were not associate with the outcome (Figure). Furthermore, the number of tablets was an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events after adjustment for age, gender, B-type natriuretic peptide, hemoglobin, albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 95% CI: 1.295 (1.066–1.573), p=0.009).

Conclusions

Polypharmacy was associated with poor prognosis. Although the numbers of tablets and non-HF medications were significantly associated with worse out come in HF patients, the number of HF medications was not.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Aspirin vs. P2Y12 inhibitors with anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation: insights from the AFIRE trial

Background

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) can be treated with multiple antithrombotic therapies including antiplatelets and oral anticoagulants; however, this has the potential to increase bleeding risk.

Purpose

This sub-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin in patients also receiving oral anticoagulant therapy.

Methods

We evaluated patients from the Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Events with Rivaroxaban in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease (AFIRE) trial who received combination therapy (rivaroxaban plus a single antiplatelet agent). The choice of antiplatelets was left to the physician's discretion. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of stroke, systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring revascularization, and death from any cause. The primary safety endpoint was major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.

Results

A total of 1,075 patients were included (P2Y12 inhibitor group, n=297; aspirin group, n=778). Approximately 60% of patients were administered proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and there was no significant difference in PPI use in the P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin groups. Regarding the primary efficacy endpoint, there was no significant difference between the P2Y12 inhibitor and aspirin groups (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.94; p=0.178). Likewise, the primary safety endpoint was not different between the groups (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–1.47; p=0.456). In the detailed subgroup analysis, there were no differences in the efficacy and safety endpoints.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences between P2Y12 inhibitors and aspirin in cardiovascular events in patients with AF and stable CAD taking rivaroxaban in the chronic phase.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Japan Cardiovascular Research Foundation based on a contract with Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd. Summary of this study

Inflammation-frailty linkage and its long-term prognostic impact in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introduction

Chronic inflammation has been receiving considerable attention as an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In contrast, with the aging of the population, frailty has been also attracting a great deal of attention as the residual risk for cardiovascular disease. Although inflammation and frailty exacerbate each other and have an adverse effect on many diseases, the relationship between chronic inflammation and frailty and the impact of these combination on long-term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are not elucidated.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to determine the association between chronic inflammation and frailty and its impact on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ACS.

Methods

A total of 482 consecutive ACS patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (age 66±12 years, male 81%) were enrolled in this observational study. We evaluated patients' gait speed as a measure of frailty before discharge. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at 1 month after discharge were also evaluated as inflammation in the chronic phase. According to commonly used criteria of the residual inflammation (CRP&gt;0.2 mg/dL) and the definition of the European Working Group for Sarcopenia (gait speed ≤0.8 m/sec), patients were stratified by 4 subgroups: low/high CRP with slow/normal gait speed. The primary endpoint was composite outcomes of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

Results

While there was no significant association between CRP levels and gait speed in all patients, a significant negative association between two variables was observed in the high CRP group (Spearman's ρ = −0.31, p=0.001). During the median follow-up of 6 years, primary endpoints have occurred in 82 patients. Overall, event-free rates differed significantly among the 4 groups, demonstrating the lowest event-free rate in the patients with high CRP and slow gait speed (p&lt;0.0001; Figure). In the multivariate analysis, high CRP (adjusted HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.14–3.46, p=0.02) and slow gait speed (adjusted HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.09–3.04, p=0.02) were independently and significantly associated with the primary endpoint. Moreover, the patients with both high CRP and slow gait speed had a 2.6-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to others (adjusted HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.36–5.05, p=0.004).

Conclusion

In the patients with ACS, CRP levels and gait speed were negatively associated in the high CRP group. Chronic inflammation and frailty were both associated with poor prognosis in ACS and in particular, the combination of these factors was strongly associated with poor prognosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Advanced Colon Cancer after Curative Resection of Intramucosal Adenocarcinoma with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Endoscopic resection, particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), for colorectal cancers enables a precise pathological diagnosis and safe R0 resection. The recurrence rate after ESD is generally extremely low, with annual surveillance colonoscopy recommended. However, surveillance may not be considered for super-elderly patients owing to their condition. This is a case report of an 85-year-old man in whom curative resection was achieved for an intramucosal adenocarcinoma with ESD. The patient presented with a hypoechoic mass located in his lower right abdomen, diagnosed via surveillance abdominal ultrasound. He had undergone curative ESD for intramucosal cecal cancer 2 years prior. Colonoscopy revealed a type 2 epithelial tumor at the proximal aspect of the ESD scar. Ileocolic resection with lymph node dissection was performed. An epithelial tumor and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma but not a submucosal tumor was detected in the mucosal layer. The lesion was diagnosed not as a local recurrence after ESD but as a newly emerged original advanced cancer. After ESD for colorectal cancer, a newly developed advanced cancer may occur at the site of the ESD scar in a shorter term than usual. Surveillance colonoscopy after ESD is necessary even for super-elderly patients.

Fast deuteron diagnostics using visible light spectra of 3He produced by deuteron-deuteron reaction in deuterium plasmas

The fast deuteron (non-Maxwellian component) diagnostic method, which is based on the higher resolution optical spectroscopic measurement, has been developed as a powerful tool. Owing to a decrease in the D-H charge-exchange cross section, the diagnostic ability of conventional optical diagnostic methods should be improved for ∼MeV energy deuterons. Because the ³He-H charge-exchange cross section is much larger than that of D-H in the ∼MeV energy range, the visible light (VIS) spectrum of ³He produced by the dueteron-dueteron (DD) reaction may be a useful tool. Although the density of ³He is small because it is produced via the DD reaction, improvement of the emissivity of the VIS spectrum of ³He can be expected by using a high-energy beam. We evaluate the VIS spectrum of ³He for the cases when a fast deuteron tail is formed and not formed in the ITER-like beam injected deuterium plasma. Even when the beam energy is in the MeV energy range, a large change appears in the half width at half maximum of the VIS spectrum. The emissivity of the VIS spectrum of ³He and the emissivity of bremsstrahlung are compared, and the measurable VIS spectrum is obtained. It is shown that the VIS spectrum of ³He is a useful tool for the MeV beam deuteron tail diagnostics.

A Targeted Biopsy during Menstruation for the Definitive Diagnosis of Rectovaginal Endometriosis: A Report of Two Cases

We herein report the definitive diagnosis of rectovaginal endometriosis in two cases. Case 1 involved a 46-year-old woman with abdominal pain and hematochezia. The diagnosis after the first and second examinations using lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy was unclear. Differential diagnoses included mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and colorectal cancer. The third lower GI endoscopy with a targeted biopsy, performed during menstruation, confirmed rectovaginal endometriosis. Case 2 involved a 38-year-old woman with hematochezia. Lower GI endoscopy during menstruation revealed rectovaginal endometriosis. When rectovaginal or bowel endometriosis is suspected, lower GI endoscopy and a targeted biopsy during menstruation can prevent unnecessary surgery.

Clinical and endoscopic features of aorto-duodenal fistula resulting in its definitive diagnosis: an observational study

Background

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is the most important presentation of an aorto-duodenal fistula (ADF). Early diagnosis is difficult, and the disease is associated with high mortality. The present study aimed to examine the clinical and the endoscopic characteristics of ADF in eight patients who presented to our hospital. We also sought to clarify the diagnostic approach towards the disease.

Methods

The present study examined the clinical and the endoscopic/computed tomography (CT) characteristics of ADF in eight patients who were definitively diagnosed with this condition in a 12-year period at our hospital.

Results

The patients comprised of five men and three women, with a mean age of 69.8 years. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was the chief complaint for all the patients. Out of these, two patients presented with shock. The patients’ mean haemoglobin at presentation was 7.09 g/dL, and the mean number of blood transfusions was 7.5. All patients had undergone intervention to manage an aortic pathology in the past. As the first investigation, an upper GI endoscopy in 5 and a CT scan in 3 patients were performed. In cases where CT scan was performed first, no definitive diagnosis was obtained, and the diagnosis was confirmed by performing an upper GI endoscopy. In cases where endoscopy was performed first, definitive diagnosis was made in only one case, and the other cases were confirmed by the CT scan. In some cases, tip attachments, converting to long endoscopes, and marking clips were found useful.

Conclusions

In patients who have undergone intervention to manage an aortic pathology and have episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, ADF cannot be definitively diagnosed with only one investigation. In addition, when performing upper GI endoscopy in cases where an ADF is suspected, tip attachment, converting to a long endoscope, and using marking clips can be helpful.

Secondary Minimal Change Disease Due to Pancreatic Cancer Improved by Chemotherapy

We herein describe an 82-year-old patient who presented with proteinuria and systemic edema. He was diagnosed with minimal change disease (MCD) and was found to have stage III pancreatic cancer. He could not undergo surgical resection due to invasion to the celiac artery and he was thus treated with chemotherapy. After a month of chemotherapy, his proteinuria improved to a normal level. After two months of chemotherapy, computed tomography indicated a partial response to the therapy. MCD can occur as paraneoplastic syndrome in patients with malignant disease, and chemotherapy can be effective for MCD associated with paraneoplastic syndrome.

Hypothermic preservation of rat hearts using antifreeze glycoprotein

Antifreeze proteins are an effective additive for low-temperature preservation of solid organs. Here, we compared static hypothermic preservation with and without antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP), followed by nonfreezing cryopreservation of rat hearts. The heart was surgically extracted and immersed in one of the cardioplegia solutions after cardiac arrest. Control rat hearts (n=6) were immersed in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution whereas AFGP-treated hearts (AFGP group) (n=6) were immersed in UW solution containing 500 ?g/ml AFGP. After static hypothermic preservation, a Langendorff apparatus was used to reperfuse the coronary arteries with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit solution. After 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, the heart rate (HR), coronary flow (CF), cardiac contractile force (max dP/dt), and cardiac diastolic force (min dP/dt) were measured. Tissue water content (TWC) and tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in the reperfused preserved hearts were also assessed. All the parameters were compared between the control and AFGP groups. Compared with the control group, the AFGP group had significantly (p<0.05) higher values of the following parameters: HR at 60, 90, and 120 min; CF at all four time points; max dP/dt at 90 min; min dP/dt at 90 and 120 min; and tissue ATP levels at 120 min. TWC did not differ significantly between the groups. The higher HR, CF, max dP/dt, min dP/dt, and tissue ATP levels in the AFGP compared with those in control hearts suggested that AFGP conferred superior hemodynamic and metabolic functions. Thus, AFGP might be a useful additive for the static/nonfreezing hypothermic preservation of hearts.

Clinical significance of late diastolic tissue doppler parameters after onset of STEMI: from the view point of the timing of the echocardipography

Background

The early transmitral flow velocity (E) divided by the early diastolic velocity of the mitral valve annulus (e') is referred to as the “E/e' ratio,” is useful even for ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the role of late diastolic velocity (a') which reveals the atrial function for STEMI is still unclear.

Objectives

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of tissue Doppler including atrial function for a first-time STEMI by long time follow up. Furthermore, we evaluated the meaning of each parameters by performing immediately after PCI or 2 weeks later.

Methods

We treated consecutive 571 first-time STEMI patients by immediate PCI within 12 hours after onset, and we examined 270 patients at immediately after PCI (GroupA, 65 years, 250 male) and 301 patients at 2 weeks after onset (GroupB, 64 years, 243 male). We examined trans mitral flow and TDI, then defined E/e' as LV filling pressure and A/a' as left atrial function. We followed them for a long time (&gt;5 years). The primary end point (PE) was cardiac death or re-admission for heart failure (HF).

Results

We followed the patients in Group A for 10 years, Group B for 5 years. PE occurred in 64 patients in GroupA during 10 years, and 45 patients in GroupB during 5 years. We analyzed the univariate and multivariate Cox hazard analyses and we compared e' and a', E/e' and A/a' (Table). In GroupA, a' and A/a' were the independent predictors, on the other hand neither a' nor A/a' were the predictors in GroupB. E/e' was an independent predictor both in GroupA and B.

Conclusion

TDI parameters have different meanings by the timing of echocardiography after onset of a first-time STEMI. These results demonstrated that atrial dysfunction immediately after onset of STEMI suggests the poor prognosis after STEMI.

Cox Hazard Proportional Analysis

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Relationship between cardiac magnetic resonance derived extracellular volume fraction and myocardial strain in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Background

The feature tracking (FT) technique has been proposed as a robust method to evaluate the myocardial strain using conventional cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the left ventricle. Data is limited regarding the relationship between FT-derived myocardial strain and diffuse myocardial fibrosis evaluated by T1 mapping in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between extracellular volume (ECV) by T1 mapping and myocardial strain by FT in patients with NIDCM.

Methods

A total of sixty-four patients with NIDCM (62±12 years) and 15 controls (62±11 years) were studied. Using a 1.5T MR scanner, pre- and post- T1 mapping images of LV wall at mid-ventricular level was acquired to calculate ECV by modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence. Radial strain (RS), circumferential strain (CS) and longitudinal strain (LS) was assessed by FT technique. ECV and myocardial strain were compared using a 6-segment model at mid-ventricular level.

Results

Compared to the controls, the NIDCM patients had a significantly higher ECV (0.30±0.02 vs. 0.24±0.01, p&lt;0.001) and impaired myocardial strain (RS, 24.2±3.0 vs. 52.2±6.2, p&lt;0.001; CS, −7.5±2.1 vs. −15.3±2.2, p&lt;0.001; LS −10.4±3.5 vs. −20.2±4.7, p&lt;0.001, respectively). Similar results were obtained when comparing all 6 myocardial segments (segment 7–12) (all p values &lt;0.001). In a segment-based analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between the ECV and CS (r=0.26 to 0.41; all p values &lt;0.05), a negative correlation was found between the ECV and RS (r=−0.31 to −0.41; all p values &lt;0.05). In a patient-based analysis, there were significant positive correlations between the ECV and CS (r=0.45, p&lt;0.001), ECV and LS from 2-chamber view (r=0.30, p=0.006), ECV and LS from 4-chamber view (r=0.37, p&lt;0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between the ECV and RS (r=−0.43, p&lt;0.001) (FIGURE)

Conclusions

In NIDCM patients, severity of myocardial fibrosis evaluated by T1 mapping is associated with impaired myocardial strain by FT technique.

Correlation between the ECV and strain

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prognostic impact of free-fat mass index on elderly patients with acute decompensated heart failure: from CURE-HF registry

Background

Free-Fat Mass Index (FFMI) is an indicator of malnutrition and sarcopenia. We hypothesized that low FFMI would be associated with worse prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure.

Methods

In 800 patients who discharged after treatment for HF were prospectively enrolled from 13 medical centers. Free-Fat Mass Index was calculated dividing the square of the patients heights in meters into lean body mass. All-cause mortality (cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular) was followed-up by telephone interview and chart review.

Results

In our study cohort (median age, 78 [range 72–87]), FFMI was 16.7 [15.2, 18.0]. All-cause mortality was observed in 211 patients during 631 [266, 983] days follow-up. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, lower FFMI was associated with all-cause mortality. Furthermore, FFMI was an independent predictor of mortality after adjustment for age, gender, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, brain natriuretic peptide, and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 95% CI: 0.841 (0.745–0.944), p=0.004). In subgroup analysis, low FFMI was associated with both cardiac and non-cardiac mortality in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (Log-rank p=0.002, p=0.013, respectively) (Figure). Furthermore, low FFMI was significantly associated non-cardiac death in patients with preserved EF (Log-rank p=0.033) (Figure).

Conclusions

Free-Fat Mass Index was significantly associated with mortality in elderly patients with HF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None